ARP Maintenance of Equity Test

Note: CSS is re-running this Tip from November because MOEquity testing was delayed by TEA, and now is up and running again. We are seeing red this February –red tape that is! The extra COVID funds sure are nice, but with them comes extra reporting. CSS has another compliance test to warn you about that … Read More

Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC) is here!

Districts may begin submitting data for the 2020-2021 school year to OCR. The portal to do so, opened up on December 13, 2021. You may submit and make changes up until the data submission period ends on February 28, 2022. What is CRDC? CRDC stands for Civil Rights Data Collection, and it is a universal … Read More

Coming Soon! IDEA -ARP Funding for Special Ed

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

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