Name: Plenary 2: Federal Flexibilities Unlocking Innovation: How SEAs Leverage RES Waivers, Ed Flex Authority, and ESEA Amendments for Impact for Local Impact
Start: 2026-09-10T09:15:00-0400
End: 2026-09-10T10:20:00-0400

Plenary 2: Federal Flexibilities Unlocking Innovation: How SEAs Leverage RES Waivers, Ed Flex Authority, and ESEA Amendments for Impact for Local Impact

Thursday September 10, 2026 9:15am - 10:20am EDT

Independence Ballroom A, Independence Level

Aligned with the U.S. Department of Education’s “Returning Education to the States” strategy, federal flexibilities can help SEAs reduce administrative burden, align funding, and tailor policies to local priorities. Through concise “stopwatch” presentations from SEA leaders, participants will gain practical examples of using federal flexibilities, such as Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) waivers and Ed-Flex, to strengthen accountability, consolidate funds, and align federal programs with SEA initiatives.

Speakers

Patrick Rooney

Senior Director, State Support & Accountability, U.S. Department of Education

Patrick Rooney serves as the Director of School Support and Accountability in the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. He oversees the administration of federal K-12 formula grants and collaborates with state education agencies to evaluate... Read More →

Zoie Saunders

Vermont Secretary of Education, Vermont Agency of Education

Zoie Saunders, M.Ed., serves as the Vermont Secretary of Education, leading landmark bipartisan reforms to establish a new funding formula, redesign accountability, and strengthen educational quality statewide. Appointed by Governor Phil Scott, she brings 20 years of leadership experience... Read More →

Ron Sandlin

Chief Innovation Officer, Indiana Department of Education

Ron Sandlin serves as the Chief Innovation Officer at the Indiana Department of Education, where he leads strategic initiatives including school accountability, high school redesign, student pathways, and school transformation. He has spent over a decade serving the State of Indiana... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 9:15am - 10:20am EDT
Independence Ballroom A, Independence Level

General Session

Stronger States, Stronger Outcomes

Patrick Rooney

Zoie Saunders

Ron Sandlin

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Stronger States, Stronger Outcomes

Patrick Rooney

Zoie Saunders

Ron Sandlin

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