ESSER Annual Reporting Due Feb 16, 2024
CSS previously ran this tip in November; however, we are releasing it again as a reminder because the deadline is near!
The clock is winding down for ESSER funds. Someday the paperwork will come to an end too, but not this year! This is not the first year of ESSER annual reporting (APR), but just in case you are new to the federal arena or just need a refresher, CSS is here to compile the basics of ESSER annual reporting for you. As with many things federal, ESSER annual reporting is very complex, so it is not possible to get into intricate details here. Read on for help knowing where to go if you need more information.
The federal team at CSS has the combined knowledge of both federal program requirements and day-to-day financial implementation in order to fully comprehend the ESSER annual reporting requirements, and we relieve the burden for our clients!
The ESSER Annual Report is due February 16, 2024, and is open now in the Federal Program Compliance Smartsheet Workapp system.
Recorded trainings and videos are available on the Grant Compliance and Administration Playlist on the TEA YouTube Channel.
There will be office hour sessions online as well every Tuesday and Thursday starting Oct 31. To register for any or all Tuesdays from 10-11 AM click here. To register for any or all Thursdays from 2-3 pm click here. TEA will be available during office hours to provide updates and answer questions from LEAs as they work through the report.
What information is being reported by Feb 16?
The data that you will need to complete the report is from the reporting period of September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023. The following is a general summary of the data needed:
- The report will involve ESSER I, II, and III if you have any remaining funds in those grants. If you have spent all your ESSER funds, they will not appear in your report.
- You will need expenditure reports for each fund during each reporting period. The expenditures will have to be broken down by program activity. Be careful not to report in areas that are not in your last grant application. Amend first if needed!
- There will be a separate section to document the 20% set aside for learning loss in ESSER III.
- The Crossact tab will collect data on FTEs funded by ESSER funds and the students served by ESSER funds. This is a general statement, and the actual data is much more detailed as to student demographics.
- The Schools tab will collect FTE data for certain positions regardless of fund source.
Please note that it will be imperative to view the training before attempting to complete the report! The report is open now, and CSS does NOT advise waiting until after the holidays to start!
Where can I find more information/resources?
In addition to the training link above, please refer to the ESSER APR Frequently Asked Questions (not to be confused with the regular ESSER FAQs).
LEAs should use the workbook to collect data and prepare prior to submitting in Smartsheets. This report may NOT be submitted, and it is only for planning purposes!
Anyone who attended the ACET conference in Las Colinas in October 2023 will also have access to the presentation on ESSER APR in the ACET conference materials.
We also have Title IV reporting and Title I Comparability reporting going on in November, so make sure your “federal person” has time to work on all these requirements (and they might need some chocolate, too)!
Need help?
Please contact Charter School Success:
- Dr. Sheila K. Sherman ssherman@charterschoolsuccess.com
Have questions?
Ask questions, get answers, and discuss this topic on the Charter School Community Roundtable now.