HB1605 Instructional Materials Funding

Recently, you may have noticed that your EMAT shows additional Entitlements when you log into TEAL. These two entitlements are a result of funds allocated in HB1605 from the previous legislative session.  HB1605 provided an allotment of $40 per student to spend on approved vendors for curriculum and instructional related materials. (These funds will carry … Read More

PIC Allotments from a Program Perspective

Program Intent Codes (PIC codes) are a critical part of budgeting, and it is good to be “PIC-y” and “PIC” the right one! Reporting expenses by PIC shows the State that you are spending funds intended for certain programs on the correct student groups. This in turn should improve services and student achievement of those … Read More

Student and Campus Activity Funds​ 

Activity Funds  Activity Funds are used to account for campus and student funds at your charter. These funds are held in trust by the charter district and used to promote the general welfare of the school, as well as the educational development and morale of all students.​   Some examples of Activity Funds include school fundraisers, … Read More

Obtaining Permission to Charge PK Tuition

Does your charter charge tuition to parents with students in PK who are ineligible under free eligibility guidelines? If so, you must annually submit a letter to TEA to obtain permission from the commissioner to justify your tuition rate. Ideally, the rate should be approved before you charge parents. Click here to access the form … Read More

Micro-Purchase Threshold Self-Certification for 2024-25 Due Oct. 1 (Optional)

When it comes to purchasing with grant funds, micro problems can become mega problems if you don’t follow proper procedures. You might have previously raised your micro-purchase threshold (EDGAR allowed starting 2021), but action is needed annually to maintain it. If you are new or want to make a change, you can consider this option … Read More

Official Notification of the 2022–2023 Release of Final FIRST Ratings

News from TEA AUSTIN, Texas – November 6, 2023 – The Texas Education Agency (TEA) today released final financial accountability ratings for Texas public school systems. 88 percent received an ‘A’ or Superior Achievement rating for 2022-2023, exemplifying high-quality financial management practices. Established in 2001 by the 77th Texas Legislature, the School Financial Integrity Rating … Read More

Calculating Charter FIRST

Charter FIRST is the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST), which is detailed in Texas Education Code 39.082. The purpose and goal of having a financial accountability rating system is to ensure that open enrollment charter schools continually strive to improve the management of their financial resources and provide transparency and openly report results to … 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