Phase I of random validations for federal program compliance monitoring ended on Oct 23rd. If you dodged that bullet (yee haw!), take heed — there is another round that begins Nov 28! For charters, this mainly concerns two areas of compliance: the Unsafe School Choice Option (USCO) and the Title I Ed Flex waiver. CSS … Read More
Random Validations Begin – Title I, II, IV, and SNS
You could be the lucky winner in the random validation drawing this month! Unfortunately, the prize is sending TEA a bunch of paperwork! TEA will select districts for phase 1 of random validations for Title I, II, and IV. You can rest easy that if you are selected for validation, you do have time and … Read More
ESSA Basic Program Requirements: Fiscal and Program
Federal funds don’t just provide money to your schools. They create programs. By focusing on solid programs, you can add to your school’s repertoire and improve your ability to serve students. But programs funded by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) are regulated by many rules that can seem confusing at times. As a savvy … Read More
Implementing the New EDGAR: Travel Costs
For any program to be successful, having well-trained teachers to implement it is a must. For this reason, travel is often necessary in federal programs. However, there are many rules and regulations about paying travel expenses using grant funds. The LEA must have written travel procedures and detailed documentation of travel expenses. Travel can be … Read More
Safety and Facilities Enhancement (SAFE) Grant
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
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
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