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

Implementing the New EDGAR: Travel Costs

For any program to be successful, having well-trained teachers to implement it is a must. For this reason, travel is often necessary in federal programs. However, there are many rules and regulations about paying travel expenses using grant funds. The LEA must have written travel procedures and detailed documentation of travel expenses. Travel can be … Read More

Safety and Facilities Enhancement (SAFE) Grant

Are you in need of more funding to meet the school safety standards? A new grant opportunity was released last week that is the third in a series of recent state grants aimed at enhancing school facilities to protect students from violence. You may have previously received the SPAT (Silent Panic Alert Technology), and the … Read More

Indirect Cost Rate Utilization Survey Due Sept. 15, 2023

This must be the year for unexpected surveys from TEA! In July, CSS told you about the Survey on Reporting Real Property, and on Aug 22, TEA Grant Compliance announced another new survey requirement called the “Indirect Cost Utilization Survey.” All LEAs that were issued indirect cost rates (IDCR) in the last 3 years (2020, … Read More

Inventory & Supply Management

For most schools, Inventory is the last thing that you consider keeping track of throughout the year until audit time comes around. Per the Texas Education Agency (TEA) Financial Accountability System Resource Guide (FASRG), every school in the state of Texas is required to maintain an Inventory & Supply system using an acceptable software. Auditors … Read More