Feldesman Managing Partner Ted Waters was quoted in an article by ESEA Now, an online publication providing news, resources, and insights on federal education policies, funding, and Title I issues impacting K-12 school districts across the United States.

The article, published on April 15, 2025, explores the growing scrutiny faced by K-12 federal education grantees under the Trump Administration, particularly concerning spending decisions and programs tied to gender, race, immigration, and DEI initiatives. In his comments, Mr. Waters emphasized the importance of proactively documenting spending decisions and reviewing hiring practices to ensure compliance with federal civil rights laws, including Title VI and Title VII.

He noted districts should consult legal counsel when evaluating recruitment initiatives that aim to meet demographic targets, as these may be interpreted as discriminatory under current federal guidance. Additionally, Mr. Waters advised that maintaining detailed data to justify spending on targeted student interventions, especially those funded through Title I, Part A, is crucial in the event of a program audit or federal review.

His comments highlight the urgent need for school districts to align their practices with evolving federal expectations and to preserve documentation that supports the educational rationale behind funding allocations.

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