ESSA Consolidated Grant Application

Summer is grant writing time in the federal world! This can often be our busiest time of year with closing out previous year grants, and planning and applying for the next round. One of the main ones is the ESSA Consolidated Grant Application that is the formula grant (non-competitive) for the major title funds (Title … Read More

Completing the Semi-Annual Certification for Federally Funded Staff

Today’s tip might sound like a repeat from January, and it is! With the end of the second semester upon us, CSS is here once again to remind you to do your time and effort for all federally-funded and State Comp Ed staff. The purpose of the Semi-Annual Certification is for the employee and supervisor … Read More

Gun Free Schools Report

When is your last day of school? We have a task for you to do the day AFTER that date. Thank goodness gun incidents are rare; nonetheless, all charter districts that receive any federal funds must submit the Gun Free Report (PR6000) by June 29, 2024. This is the one case where you should not … Read More

Travel Pay from Federal Grant Funds

One of the best things about summer is the opportunity for new learning in the form of various workshops or conferences. Professional development that supports your improvement plans and is part of an ongoing goal can often be supported by federal funds. If you are considering funding travel for PD out of federal grant funds, … Read More

Comprehensive Needs Assessment

It’s that time of year again!  Time to begin planning for the upcoming school year.  Local Education Agencies (LEAs) across the state are currently working with their campuses on planning for the 2024-2025 school year.  To begin this process, campuses must first look at where they are now and use that as a guide to … Read More

Title I Paraprofessional Requirements

Summer is coming and soon you will be hiring for next year! As you look to acquire new talent, please be aware of the qualifications that Title I-funded instructional paraprofessionals must possess. The “highly qualified” requirements for Title I-funded instructional paraprofessionals were retained when NCLB was reauthorized as ESSA. TEA has forms to complete when … Read More

End of Year Federal Activities for Charter Districts

CSS is there to keep you organized in the end of school madness! Our handy checklist below contains “all things federal grants” that you need to finish up the year! You will find all pertinent TEA deadlines that you can add to your calendar today! CSS hopes you have an incredible end of the year … Read More

When to Amend Federal Grants

It is spring cleaning time! Now is the time to review and clean up any changes needed in your federal grants to finish up the year. CSS recommends that you make sure the remaining funds are budgeted where you need them before the grant ends. Perhaps your summer plans have changed, an added expense is … Read More

College Exam Fees Reimbursements 2023-24

Do your juniors and seniors know they get one free SAT, ACT, or TSI administration? Since 2019, HB3 funding has removed barriers to college access by providing district reimbursements for the administration of the SAT/ACT/and TSIA once per student. Charter districts have already been given estimated funding for this in the 2023-24 Summary of Finances … Read More