Much has changed in the world of compensatory education funding this year! The 89th Legislature threw a giant curve ball and made the changes effective this year. The communication of the practical implementation of the changes has been slowly trickling out as the State makes decisions and responds to school system’s questions. CSS has been … Read More
PIC Allotments from a Program Perspective
Imagine that someone asks you how much total you spent last year for Special Education. How would you pull that data? Well, in short, by PIC (program intent code) 23! If PIC codes are used correctly, you can track spending for any programs. PIC codes are often connected to funding allotments from the State, and … Read More
Important Upcoming TEA Deadlines
Federal regulations require TEA to annually evaluate each grant recipient’s risk of noncompliance with the federal statutes, rules, terms, and conditions of their award.
TEA Releases Final 2024-2025 Financial Accountability Ratings
News from TEA AUSTIN, Texas – November 13, 2025 – The Texas Education Agency (TEA) today announced the 2024-2025 Financial Integrity or FIRST ratings for Texas public schools. 81 percent of school systems earned an ‘A’ or Superior Achievement rating for the 2024-2025 school year. By maintaining strong financial practices, these school systems are building … Read More
Title II Special Data Collection Due January 9, 2026
It seems strange seeing 2026 in the title, but the New Year is upon us, and we are sure procrastination is not on your New Year’s resolution list! The topic for today is the Title II Special Data Collection that is required if you received Title II funds through the ESSA grant in the 2024-25 … Read More
Title IV Special Data Collection Due December 1, 2025
In the spirit of giving thanks this November, we can appreciate the funding that federal grants provide. While we are thankful for the money to help our students, the paperwork might not put you in the holiday spirit. Not to worry, CSS has compiled all the information on the latest report. Today’s article is about … Read More
ESSA Basic Program Requirements: Fiscal and Program
Federal funds don’t just provide money to your schools. They create programs. By focusing on solid programs, you can add to your school’s repertoire and improve your ability to serve students. But programs funded by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) are regulated by many rules that can seem confusing at times. As a savvy … Read More
Title I Comparability of Services Due Nov 14, 2025
Fall is in the air, and the holidays are quickly approaching, but before you get to leave and have your turkey and pumpkin pie, the annual “Comparability testing” for Title I must be done. This “test” is completed each year to make sure local (FSP) staffing and funds are distributed (budgeted) equally between Title I … Read More
FY2025 Annual Financial Report Submission and Audit Application Transition
The Audit application used to submit and upload annual audit financial information in TEAL is being updated by TEA, now called “Audit 2.0.” IMPORTANT: The November 27, 2025, submission deadline for FY 2025 annual financial reports will not apply to entities with a June 30 fiscal year-end for this year’s submission only. The current revised submission deadline … Read More
Bilingual/ESL Allotment (PIC 25) and Written Policy and Procedures
Your new student has a language other than English on their home language survey – what do you do? Having written Bilingual/ESL policies and procedures is a requirement for your annual financial report. Your compliance will be collected by your auditor and on the annual J4 Use of Funds Report for state funding allotments (PIC … Read More