Get ready for big changes in 2026!
- On November 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced new interagency agreements (IAAs) that transferred several federal education programs to other federal agencies.
- On August 7, 2025, a presidential executive order directed the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to revisit and revise the Uniform Guidance.
- On August 27, 2025, the Federal Register published the final rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and the related procurement thresholds.
There will be changes in how the federal government administers federal dollars. However, fiscal compliance with applicable statutes and regulations remains a requirement.
Will your organization be proactive or reactive to what’s ahead?
In 2026, WestEd, a NASBA-certified continuing professional education (CPE) sponsor, will continue to offer its interactive Federal Finance Training led by a team of funding and fiscal implementation experts. Join us for our highly rated, interactive funding and fiscal compliance training to get updates on the Dynamic Federal Education Funding Landscape.
2026 Federal Finance Trainings
- Virtual Sessions March 3 and 4, 2026: Learn More & Register
- In-Person Training in Scottsdale, Arizona, October 26–28, 2026: Learn More & Register
- On-Demand Training: Learn More & Register
Learning Outcomes
Participants will get real-time updates on the dynamic federal education funding landscape to help them establish proactive measures and improve practices needed to comply with federal requirements related to the following:
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
- Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR)
- Uniform Grant Guidance
Who Will Benefit
These training courses are designed for state education agencies (SEAs), local education agencies (LEAs), school districts, and charter school staff. Participants can receive Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits upon completion of the training. The following are also encouraged to attend:
- Finance and business officers and their staff
- IDEA/Special education directors and their staff
- ESSA/Federal program directors and their staff
- Superintendents and school administrators
- School auditors/CPAs
Featured Speakers
Anthony Mukuna leads WestEd Federal Finance training offerings, oversees fiscal engagements with SEAs, and supports cross-area projects within WestEd. With approximately 16 years of experience in state and local government fiscal accountability, Mukuna has successfully led the design and implementation of compliant, effective, and efficient fiscal policies and procedures to improve educational program outcomes.
Jen Thompson is dedicated to supporting state and local education leaders in navigating the complexities of federal education funding. Thompson provides technical assistance to SEAs, develops guidance materials, and facilitates communities of practice to support the implementation of federal fiscal requirements. Before joining WestEd, Thompson spent more than 18 years at the Indiana Department of Education serving as Senior Specialist for Part B Grants and Assistant Director of Special Education-Fiscal.
Heather Quigley-Cook provides technical assistance and consultation to states and districts to enhance their capacity to meet IDEA fiscal requirements and improve outcomes for students. With more than 17 years of experience working in public education and her prior role as the executive director of a Special Education Local Plan Area in the state of California, Quigley-Cook’s background brings knowledge and experience to her work with both the programmatic and fiscal components of special education.
Melissa Surgeon specializes in Title I, McKinney-Vento, and programs for neglected and delinquent youths. Surgeon assists state and district leaders in designing compliance-centered systems, aligning funding strategies with statutory requirements, and ensuring transparent resource allocation that promotes student success.
Nick Lowry serves as a project lead engaging with states on fiscal accountability and finance measures and supports the Division of School Choice. Lowry has expertise in fiscal compliance. Lowry worked for the School District of Philadelphia in the Office of Grant Compliance and Fiscal Services, serving as a senior grant monitor for the district’s federal awards, including IDEA-B; Titles I, II, and III; and the COVID-19 relief funding.
Sarah Love delivers technical assistance, consultation, and training to states and districts to meet IDEA fiscal requirements and improve educational outcomes for students. Love has more than 10 years of professional experience in public education, including fiscal policy and accountability support provided to the TRIO programs, which are federally funded programs established to improve educational outcomes for thousands of first-generation students, students from low-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities across the country.
Tia Taylor leverages her expertise in the area of school finance, resource allocation approaches, and leadership development to ensure that resources are allocated equitably. With extensive experience in budget development, strategic planning, and resource alignment, Taylor is focused on systems change and transformation in her work. During the past 7 years, her work has focused on developing frameworks and methodologies to coordinate (braid) and consolidate (blend) state and federal funds to maximize the use of resources and expand access to programs and services for all students.