If your New Year’s resolution was less paperwork, we do not have good news for you today. Do you have staff whose salary is funded by federal grant funds? January is the time of year to collect time and effort documentation. Time and effort is generally done semi-annually at the end of each semester (required … Read More
Reporting Requirements for the Annual Report and 2024-25 Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR)
The New Year is here, and with it comes multiple public reporting requirements. As soon as you return to work, the clock is already ticking on deadlines to distribute state and federal report cards and to conduct annual reporting on the Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR). CSS plans to provide communication on all of these … Read More
Title IV Special Data Collection Due December 1, 2025
In the spirit of giving thanks this November, we can appreciate the funding that federal grants provide. While we are thankful for the money to help our students, the paperwork might not put you in the holiday spirit. Not to worry, CSS has compiled all the information on the latest report. Today’s article is about … Read More
ESSA Basic Program 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 seem confusing at times. As a savvy … Read More
Title I Comparability of Services Due Nov 14, 2025
Fall is in the air, and the holidays are quickly approaching, but before you get to leave and have your turkey and pumpkin pie, the annual “Comparability testing” for Title I must be done. This “test” is completed each year to make sure local (FSP) staffing and funds are distributed (budgeted) equally between Title I … Read More
FY2025 Annual Financial Report Submission and Audit Application Transition
The Audit application used to submit and upload annual audit financial information in TEAL is being updated by TEA, now called “Audit 2.0.” IMPORTANT: The November 27, 2025, submission deadline for FY 2025 annual financial reports will not apply to entities with a June 30 fiscal year-end for this year’s submission only. The current revised submission deadline … Read More
Bilingual/ESL Allotment (PIC 25) and Written Policy and Procedures
Your new student has a language other than English on their home language survey – what do you do? Having written Bilingual/ESL policies and procedures is a requirement for your annual financial report. Your compliance will be collected by your auditor and on the annual J4 Use of Funds Report for state funding allotments (PIC … Read More
SHARS Survey Due Oct 31, 2025 for IDEA-B Recipients
Doing a SHARS (School Health and Related Services) survey probably wasn’t on your list of Halloween fun, but don’t worry! It is quick and easy for most, and you can do it early. If you received IDEA-B funding in 2024-25, then your LEA is required to complete the SHARS survey by October 31, 2025. SHARS is … Read More
AI Is Here: Is Your Staff Handbook Ready?
Why it Matters Generative AI is showing up everywhere, from lesson planning to grading helpers, and staff are using tools like ChatGPT and Copilot whether schools are ready or not. To protect student data, support innovation, and stay compliant with FERPA and Texas Education Code, now is the time to add an AI section to … Read More
Beginning of Year Activities for Federal Programs
The 2025-26 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