How low can you go? When it comes to risk levels, hopefully you go low and stay low. 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. To comply with this requirement, TEA conducts a risk assessment of each recipient, … Read More
District Improvement Planning (DIP/LEA Plan) for Charter Districts
Famous astronaut Buzz Aldrin once said, “Shoot for the moon; you might get there!” Space travel takes planning, and so does having really great schools! Having a well-designed DIP/LEA Plan (aka LEA Plan per TEA) can help your organization have focus and reach its goals, but in some cases, it is also required by law. … Read More
Beginning of Year Activities for Federal Programs
The 2024-25 school year is in sight, and it’s time to get organized to start the year off right! Planning and parental engagement are at the top of the list for the new year of federal programs, especially Title I. The CSS BOY Checklist will keep you in compliance with all the back-to-school federal requirements. … Read More
Special Education Consolidated (Federal) Grant Application
Meeting the needs of special education students can be expensive for schools. Fortunately, the federal grant known as IDEA B is available to public schools to help meet those needs. The Special Education Consolidated (Federal) Grant application is available now in eGrants and is due no later than 5:00 p.m. September 3, 2024 (along with … Read More
Applying for Sub System of Time & Effort
You know how sometimes you do something just in case you need it? Applying to use the substitute system of time and effort is a “just in case” situation; because if you don’t apply, you can’t use it. Why would I need it you ask? If you end up needing to split-fund an employee with … Read More
Basic Grants Management
Grants can be a great way to add funds to your school budget, but dealing with grants is not simple. The payoff of receiving grants can be worth it if you are cognizant of the regulations and rules of the grant. Before you venture too far into the grant waters, take the time to understand … Read More
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
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