We know compliance reporting is the least fun thing to do at the start of school, but it can’t be avoided if you have ESSA funds. Each year, LEAs who accept Federal funds must complete a compliance report to verify activities have been implemented according to the program guidelines and the approved grant application. Hopefully, … Read More
Beginning of Year Activities for Federal Programs
The sun is setting on summer even though it doesn’t feel like it in this Texas heat! There are many things you must remember to do, so CSS has created a federal checklist to help keep you organized. Stay “cool” with compliance, and start checking them off today! The CSS Federal Programs Team works directly … Read More
Action Required – ESSER III URL Update
Perhaps you have been making changes to your website to get ready for the 2022-23 school year, or your plans for ESSER III funds or COVID protocols have changed. If your charter district received ESSER III funds, the “Use of Funds” plan and the “Return to In-person Instruction (RIPICS)” plan must be posted on your … Read More
ESSA Grant Application
Summer is not vacation time in the federal world. Federal staff are busy planning and writing grants to receive funds for the upcoming school year. At CSS, we have been working with our clients to help them understand the changes in the grant application. The ESSA Grant Application is the TEA required application for LEAs … Read More
ESSA 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 be difficult to understand. As a savvy … Read More
Indirect Cost Rate Request for 2022-23
Money! Now that we have your attention, did you know you can claim indirect costs on your federal grant awards and keep the money no strings attached? To do so, Charter Districts must first request an indirect cost rate, and today’s article is about how to go about obtaining one. Indirect Costs are the costs … Read More
ARP Maintenance of Equity Test
Note: CSS is re-running this Tip from November because MOEquity testing was delayed by TEA, and now is up and running again. We are seeing red this February –red tape that is! The extra COVID funds sure are nice, but with them comes extra reporting. CSS has another compliance test to warn you about that … Read More
Coming Soon! IDEA -ARP Funding for Special Ed
We hope you like some twist in your peppermint this holiday season, because this news is going to be different! Coming in “mid December” is the release of the IDEA -B Formula ARP funding along with the same for IDEA-B Preschool ARP funding. You are accustomed to getting normal IDEA increases and carryover this time … Read More
Reporting Requirements for the Annual Report and 2019-20 Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR)
The countdown has begun! No, not for New Years (although 2022 is not far off!), but rather for the public hearing to share your Charter District’s annual TAPR results. All LEAs must hold a public hearing to discuss the annual report within 90 days of the reports being released by TEA. The main portion of … Read More
Bilingual/ESL Allotment (PIC 25/35) and Written Policy and Procedures
New audit requirements can be a “spooky” topic, but here at CSS, we don’t want to leave you in the dark! Beginning with fiscal year 2022, you will be required to attest that you have written policies and procedures for your bilingual and/or ESL program. Although the same will be required for your State Compensatory … Read More