The year is dwindling down, and so is the time left to spend your federal grant funds! Before your grants end this year, CSS recommends that you make sure the remaining funds are budgeted where you need them in the draw down system. Perhaps your summer plans have changed, an added expense is needed, or … Read More
College Exam Fees Reimbursements 2025-26
Taking exams for college can be expensive. The good news is that since 2019, HB3 funding has removed barriers to college access by providing district reimbursements for the administration of the SAT/ACT/and TSIA once per student. Additionally, HB2 and HB210 have expanded funding this year to add a career readiness assessment. This can be a … Read More
AskTED Data Updates
No one likes to miss important information, and here at CSS we know you like to stay in the loop! One of the main ways to get important messages from TEA is to make sure your campus data and contacts are up to date in AskTED, the online Texas Education Directory (TED). AskTED is the primary … Read More
Real Property Survey Due April 20, 2026
Spring is in the air and oh so busy! Of course, you can count on TEA to add one more item to your “To Do” list! TEA issued a memo on March 6, 2026 about the Real Property Survey. The last time this survey was done was 2023! It’s been a while, so you will … Read More
Mid-Year Review of Federal Grant Funds
Check-ups are important! They keep us on track. The middle of the school year is a good time to check up on your federal grant funds by conducting a mid-year review. The purpose of the mid-year review is to give you an opportunity to see if you are still on track to expend your federal … 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
Indirect Cost Rate Request for 2026-27
Today’s tip is for everyone! Action is required for all, and yes that means you gentle reader! It is time to complete the annual request to receive an indirect cost rate for the upcoming year. A response is required whether you say yes or no, but CSS highly recommends you say yes! The process is … Read More
District Accreditation Status for 2024-25 and 2025-26
In Texas, accreditation ratings carry real weight. They signal to families, charter authorizers, and communities how effectively a charter school meets State expectations. On January 29, 2026, TEA issued a memo announcing the release of ratings effective February 12, 2026. Why are there two years you ask? When the A-F Accountability ratings were delayed due … Read More
Title III Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Requirements
Title III is not the most common grant for charters. Maybe you are in an SSA (shared service arrangement) for Title III? Regardless, unless you don’t receive Title III at all, you are required to provide parent, family, and community engagement (PFCE) activities specifically targeted towards your Emergent Bilingual population. Today’s article will assist schools … Read More
Need-to-Knows about State and Federal Report Cards
Students aren’t the only ones that get report cards! Schools do too! This year, we have report card overload with 2024 and 2025 State Report Cards AND 2025 Federal Report Cards all needing public release to your parents and community. The State Report Cards deadline is first, and the Federal deadline follows; however, you might … Read More