Random Validations Begin – Title I, II, and IV

It is highly doubtful you are raising your hand shouting “pick me” for random validation of your federal program compliance. Face it, it’s not like winning the lotto! You can rest easy that if you are selected, you do have time and assistance to prepare. Read on to find out what the random validations will … Read More

Title I, 1003 School Improvement Funding – Important Updates

Did your charter district “opt in” to continue receiving Title I, 1003 School Improvement funds for 2021-22? Due to the pandemic and ratings being suspended, TEA made some changes with school improvement funding. A large chunk went to the ESF Focused Support Grant that was competitive. This pulled off a large amount of funds and … Read More

TCLAS Grant – Texas COVID Learning Acceleration Support

Wading through the abundance of government funding that has become available in response to the COVID pandemic can feel like swimming in an ocean. Every time you turn around, a new wave is coming. Staying afloat is a challenge, but CSS is here to assist you with today’s lifesaving article that provides the basics about … Read More

ESSER III – American Rescue Plan Funding 2020-23

ESSER III is bigger and better than its prequel ESSER I, but the critics say the sequel is packed with much more red tape. CSS has been busy attending numerous TEA trainings in preparation for the debut of ESSER III, and today’s article will summarize all the requirements of this blockbuster. The prep time will … Read More

NEW 2021 Travel Guidelines are now available

Travel has been largely stagnant since Covid hit, but people are starting to venture back out to in-person meetings and events. CSS wants to make sure you are up to date on the most current travel rates. On April 1, 2021 school officials were notified by the TEA that the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts … Read More

Title I, Part A Paraprofessional Requirements

Clarity. Having a clear understanding of the often-murky waters of Title I regulations is a good thing! The Federal Program Compliance Division at TEA has recently posted updated guidance on the requirements for paraprofessional positions funded fully or in part by Title I, Part A federal grants. If you have any paraprofessionals, you will want … Read More

Random Validations – Title IV, Part A

This is the third in a series of program checkups. Click here for the first article on Title I, Part A, and click here for the second review on Title II, Part A. Collaboration and planning are key in ESSA program compliance, and Title IV is very similar to Title II regarding documenting your stakeholder … Read More

Cares Act – Prior Purchase Reimbursement Program (PPRP) UPDATE

UPDATE:  The PPRP program dates have been extended. Please see the updates on the Prior Purchase Reimbursement Program (PPRP) here on the CRF Reimbursement programs webpage.  The PPRP application will reopen this month, with any new applications or amendments due by 1/31/21. The new deadline for receiving devices is 2/28/21. This may mean that your … Read More

Program Checkup – Title II, Part A

This is the second in a series of program checkups. Click here for the first article on Title I, Part A. New Year’s is a time to get healthy, so why not take a look at the health of your LEA’s federal programs? CSS continues its series of program checkups regarding federal program requirements with … Read More

HB 3 Required School Board Plans and Goals

Has your Texas Charter School Board adopted the two required plans under House Bill 3 – Early Childhood Literacy/Math Plan (EC-LM) and College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) Plan? The original timeline was for both plans to be adopted and in place by the end of the 2019-20 school year, but the deadline has been … Read More