Are you in need of more funding to meet the school safety standards? A new grant opportunity was released last week that is the third in a series of recent state grants aimed at enhancing school facilities to protect students from violence. You may have previously received the SPAT (Silent Panic Alert Technology), and the … Read More
Special Education Timeline Rule Change for Transfer Students
Have you enrolled any new special education transfer students this year? If so, this information is for you! TEA recently implemented a rule change that addresses a district’s obligations when enrolling a student receiving special education services who has transferred to your district from another Texas district, from out of state, or over the summer … Read More
The Student Attendance Accounting Handbook
As a Charter School District, our number one goal is to offer students a safe, happy and healthy place to learn and grow as individuals. All students are different, and it is important that each district meets their individual needs, often by offering different special programs and learning opportunities. Each special program offered by your … Read More
Indirect Cost Rate Utilization Survey Due Sept. 15, 2023
This must be the year for unexpected surveys from TEA! In July, CSS told you about the Survey on Reporting Real Property, and on Aug 22, TEA Grant Compliance announced another new survey requirement called the “Indirect Cost Utilization Survey.” All LEAs that were issued indirect cost rates (IDCR) in the last 3 years (2020, … Read More
Micro-Purchase Threshold Self-Certification for 2023-24 Due Oct. 1 (Optional)
Micro sounds like something small, right? However, not following EDGAR purchasing procedures with federal grant funds can lead to BIG problems come audit time. What is a “Micro-purchase threshold,” and why would I want to change it you ask? Today’s topic is about just that, so please read on to consider your options. At CSS, … Read More
Completing the 2022-23 ESSA Compliance Report
We know compliance reporting is the least fun thing to do at the start of school, but it can’t be avoided if you have ESSA funds. Each year, LEAs who accept Federal funds must complete a compliance report to verify activities have been implemented according to the program guidelines and the approved grant application. Hopefully, … Read More
New Home Language Survey Effective August 9, 2023
Does the back-to-school rush have you running behind? Well, you are not alone! Just last week TEA released a new Home Language Survey (HLS) to use when enrolling new students starting August 9, 2023 ! Unfortunately, the enrollment packets you have so nicely prepared will need an adjustment. The Home Language Survey is an important document … Read More
Title I Supplemental Methodology Requirement
We love our acronyms in the federal world, and when dealing with Title I, you will often hear the term SNS mentioned. SNS stands for “Supplement Not Supplant,” and prior to the start of school there is a test. It’s called the “Supplemental Funds Test,” and is for LEAs that receive Title I, Part A … Read More
Special Education Consolidated (Federal) Grant Application
Summertime means it’s time to prepare and submit your charter’s 2023-2024 Special Education Consolidated (Federal) Grant application. These funds (also known as IDEA-B) provide supplemental resources to help LEAs ensure that eligible students (ages 3-21) with disabilities are provided with a free appropriate public education as required by federal statute. At CSS, we are working … Read More
Defining Your PTO and Leave Policies
Charters have a lot of options and opportunity to exercise creativity when it comes to defining PTO and local leave policies for their organization. A thoughtful and robust leave policy can be a critical part of the charter’s enticing total rewards and benefits package, which can impact recruitment, retention, and morale as it speaks to … Read More