This is the first in a series of program checkups to ensure compliance. Random validations were conducted early this year. If you were not one of the 80 LEAs selected statewide in October (4 per region), consider it an early Christmas gift! However, audits and compliance reporting are still in your future, so CSS will … Read More
Special Education Fiscal Compliance Survey due November 6
The Special Education Fiscal Compliance Survey is due November 6, and must be completed by all Charters who receive IDEA B funds whether you receive SHARS funding or not. In the past, this report was only for SHARS participants; however, this year, the State is collecting data regarding 2019-20 expenditures in program intent code PIC … Read More
ESSA Requirements: Fiscal and Program
ESSA……NCLB……no child or every student..….which one should you follow? How can you keep it all straight? Understanding the guidance and expectations associated with each of the federal grant programs helps you implement programs and use funds efficiently and effectively. Let us help you sort through some of the fiscal and program basics of the Every … Read More
Mentor Program Allotment (MPA) Update
Update! CSS has new information about the Mentor Program Allotment Grant. The application is now available and can be found at https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/educator-initiatives-and-performance/mentor-program-allotment. The deadline to apply for this optional grant is June 8, 2020. Please be aware that there are summer requirements of the grant prior to funding being received. For more information, please read … Read More
2020-21 Indirect Cost Rate Request
The last thing you need is another task to complete this spring, right? No worries! This task is easy, and it can help you get back some money and spend federal grant funds at the same time! Today’s tip is about how to go about requesting an indirect cost rate. Indirect Cost are the costs … Read More
New! College Exam Fees Reimbursements
Prom, senior pictures, class rings, graduation invitations… the list goes on and on. Parents of seniors may feel the need to take out a second mortgage! While schools can’t help with everything, the good news is that there is now funding for SAT, ACT, TSIA, and industry-based certification (IBC) exams. Reimbursements were authorized under House … Read More
Full Day Prekindergarten Waiver
CSS has received urgent updates regarding the Full-Day Prekindergarten Waiver we previously released. The deadline has been extended from March 2, 2020 to April 6, 2020. TEA has issued additional clarification from the commissioner regarding charter schools, the waiver, and their prekindergarten status. CLICK HERE Charters that are approved to have PK as a grade … Read More
District Accreditation
Accreditation is another word for credible. Most LEAs don’t think about their accreditation status unless it’s in jeopardy, but it is extremely important. Without proper accreditation from the State, a charter district can no longer be recognized by the State and forced to close. With the current accountability system, an LEA can have their accreditation … Read More
Special Program Intent Code (PIC) Allotments
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
Full-Day Prekindergarten Waiver
Do your schools currently offer half-day prekindergarten (PK)? Are you aware that full-day PK for eligible four-year-olds was required starting in 2019-20? If your Charter District currently offers a half-day program, an exemption (waiver) must be submitted by March 2, 2020. Several steps must be completed prior to applying for this waiver, and CSS has … Read More