The Trump administration on Wednesday approved a first-of-its-kind waiver allowing Iowa to redirect millions of dollars in federal education funding with fewer restrictions, a move officials say advances the administration’s push to shift more control over education policy to the states.

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced the waiver, which grants Iowa more than $9 million in flexible federal funding. The change allows the state to reduce compliance requirements and channel more money directly into classrooms.

“States should lead — Washington should support their sound approaches and get out of the way,” McMahon said in a statement. She added that the department hopes to work with Congress to expand similar opportunities nationwide as part of a broader effort to return education authority to state and local leaders.

According to McMahon, the waiver will help Iowa save millions of dollars in compliance costs over the next four years by eliminating certain federal requirements attached to the funding. The department said the flexibility will allow the state to simplify all of its state activity funding streams and invest in initiatives such as teacher workforce development, closing achievement gaps and expanding postsecondary opportunities.

To secure the waiver, Iowa submitted a Unified Allocation Plan outlining how the funds would be used to improve academic outcomes. State education officials said the plan includes investments in educator development, English language acquisition and other targeted programs aimed at strengthening student performance across the state.

The approval marks a significant policy shift and could serve as a model for other states seeking greater autonomy over how federal education dollars are spent.