CSS is here to help keep you organized at the busy end of year season! The checklist below contains important tasks and dates for “all things Federal grants.” The end of the year going into summer is very busy with wrapping up grants and starting new ones happening at the same time. As you evaluate … Read More
Comprehensive Needs Assessment
It’s that time of year again! Time to begin planning for the upcoming school year. Local Education Agencies (LEAs) across the state are currently working with their campuses on planning for the 2026-27 school year. To begin this process, campuses must first look at where they are now and use that as a guide to … Read More
Reporting Requirements for the Annual Report and 2024-25 Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR)
Now that the 90-day deadline is near, CSS would like to remind you to present the TAPR annual report to your Board. Please read our tip previously published on January 6, 2026. The New Year is here, and with it comes multiple public reporting requirements. As soon as you return to work, the clock is … Read More
Completing Time and Effort for Federally Funded Staff
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
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