We hope you like some twist in your peppermint this holiday season, because this news is going to be different! Coming in “mid December” is the release of the IDEA -B Formula ARP funding along with the same for IDEA-B Preschool ARP funding. You are accustomed to getting normal IDEA increases and carryover this time … Read More
Independent Contractor or Employee?
As we encounter the end of one year and the beginning of another, many year-end accounting tasks are upon us, including the issuance of W2s and 1099s to those who have performed work for us during 2021. To determine who needs to get which type of tax form, we must be able to properly classify … Read More
Reporting Requirements for the Annual Report and 2019-20 Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR)
The countdown has begun! No, not for New Years (although 2022 is not far off!), but rather for the public hearing to share your Charter District’s annual TAPR results. All LEAs must hold a public hearing to discuss the annual report within 90 days of the reports being released by TEA. The main portion of … Read More
Risk Management
Risk management is a critical charge that school leaders must proactively address. From the Board to the Superintendent, to the central administration and campus leaders, we all play a part in effectively managing the risks at our schools. What is Risk Management? Risk Management is defined as the identification, assessment, control, and avoidance, minimization, or … Read More
Bilingual/ESL Allotment (PIC 25/35) and Written Policy and Procedures
New audit requirements can be a “spooky” topic, but here at CSS, we don’t want to leave you in the dark! Beginning with fiscal year 2022, you will be required to attest that you have written policies and procedures for your bilingual and/or ESL program. Although the same will be required for your State Compensatory … Read More
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
UID Assignment and Enrollment Tracking
Did you know that all districts are responsible for submitting weekly Unique ID enrollment tracking event files to TEA through the Texas Student Data System application in TEAL? But first, a Unique ID number (UID) must be assigned to all students in your district to ensure they are included in your enrollment tracking file. It … 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
Food Benefits for Families through the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Program
Many families still may be struggling financially from the COVID-19 crisis, and the P-EBT program that was made available last May is available again. By simply communicating information about the P-EBT program to your families, you can help them obtain a one-time payment for each eligible child. Even if your Charter District has continued to … 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