When looking at your charter budget, it is easy to see where the vast majority of the costs lie. In almost all cases, personnel expenses – salaries and benefits – can comprise up to 80 percent of the total annual budget; with 62- 67 percent allotted for salaries and 15- 22 percent going towards benefits. … Read More
The Importance of a Strong Mission, Vision, and Values
What makes a charter school? Why do they exist? Why do we need them when there is an ISD where these kids could attend? Well, there is no easy answer to these questions. Each charter school is unique, born of a dream and purpose to meet an identified need not yet being met in its … Read More
Budget to Actual Analysis
Charter schools are required to establish budgets which outline how the school will spend its funds throughout the year. The budget’s goals, priorities, and planning are decisions driven by the school board and superintendent. The campus and charter-wide campus improvement plan are the drivers of the budget expenditures. Charter schools are required to get the … Read More
What Types of Loan Forgiveness Programs Are Available for Teachers?
Did you know that many teachers in our Texas charter schools qualify for thousands of dollars of student loan debt forgiveness? This could make a HUGE difference in the lives of your teachers! Today’s Tip covers five student loan forgiveness programs available to Texas teachers, based on specific circumstances and qualifiers. Read below to find out … Read More
Misconduct Reporting Portal
The 86th Legislative Session in 2019 passed House Bill 3, which was passed to further protect the safety and welfare of Texas students in several ways, one of those being now requiring schools to report certain allegations of misconduct against non-certified employees. Under TEC §21.006 and Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §249.14, school leaders have been … Read More
New! College Exam Fees Reimbursements
Prom, senior pictures, class rings, graduation invitations… the list goes on and on. Parents of seniors may feel the need to take out a second mortgage! While schools can’t help with everything, the good news is that there is now funding for SAT, ACT, TSIA, and industry-based certification (IBC) exams. Reimbursements were authorized under House … Read More
Full Day Prekindergarten Waiver
CSS has received urgent updates regarding the Full-Day Prekindergarten Waiver we previously released. The deadline has been extended from March 2, 2020 to April 6, 2020. TEA has issued additional clarification from the commissioner regarding charter schools, the waiver, and their prekindergarten status. CLICK HERE Charters that are approved to have PK as a grade … Read More
District Accreditation
Accreditation is another word for credible. Most LEAs don’t think about their accreditation status unless it’s in jeopardy, but it is extremely important. Without proper accreditation from the State, a charter district can no longer be recognized by the State and forced to close. With the current accountability system, an LEA can have their accreditation … Read More
Special Program Intent Code (PIC) Allotments
Program Intent Codes (PIC codes) are a critical part of budgeting, and it is good to be “PIC-y” and “PIC” the right one! Reporting expenses by PIC shows the State that you are spending funds intended for certain programs on the correct student groups. This in turn should improve services and student achievement of those … Read More
Full-Day Prekindergarten Waiver
Do your schools currently offer half-day prekindergarten (PK)? Are you aware that full-day PK for eligible four-year-olds was required starting in 2019-20? If your Charter District currently offers a half-day program, an exemption (waiver) must be submitted by March 2, 2020. Several steps must be completed prior to applying for this waiver, and CSS has … Read More