Is your name on the list? No, not Santa’s list! TEA selected LEAs for random validations for Title I, II, and IV, and the list was posted on November 13, 2024. You can rest easy that if you are selected for validation, you do have time and assistance to prepare. If you weren’t selected this … Read More
ESSER Year 5 Annual Reporting Phase I Due January 15, 2025
ESSER reporting lives on even after the money does not! We are entering year 5 of reporting which will involve data from 9/1/23 to 8/31/24. This year, the reporting will be done in two phases with Phase I being due January 15, 2025. ESSER annual reporting is very complex; therefore, today’s article will point you … Read More
School Improvement Ratings, Funding, and LASO Grant Cycle 3
We are in year two of the A-F accountability ratings being held up in court challenges; however, federal ratings continue. The federal list of schools in need of improvement was released on August 26, 2024. New this year, funding for schools identified for improvement will become part of the LASO Cycle 3 grant (more to … Read More
Student and Campus Activity Funds
Activity Funds Activity Funds are used to account for campus and student funds at your charter. These funds are held in trust by the charter district and used to promote the general welfare of the school, as well as the educational development and morale of all students. Some examples of Activity Funds include school fundraisers, … Read More
Obtaining Permission to Charge PK Tuition
Does your charter charge tuition to parents with students in PK who are ineligible under free eligibility guidelines? If so, you must annually submit a letter to TEA to obtain permission from the commissioner to justify your tuition rate. Ideally, the rate should be approved before you charge parents. Click here to access the form … Read More
Completing the 2023-24 ESSA Compliance Report
We interrupt your back-to-school celebrations to talk about a dose of reality – compliance reporting. With a due date of September 30, 2024 coming up soon, it is time to start preparing for the annual ESSA Compliance Report. Each year, LEAs who accept Title funds under ESSA must complete a compliance report to verify that … Read More
Title I Supplemental Methodology Requirement
CSS previously published this tip June 25, but we are running it again for Charters with September 1 budget start dates! Whether you are on a July 1 or Sept 1 budget start date, planning for Title I funds must be part of the process. When dealing with Title I, you will often hear the … Read More
Beginning of Year Activities for Federal Programs
The 2024-25 school year is in sight, and it’s time to get organized to start the year off right! Planning and parental engagement are at the top of the list for the new year of federal programs, especially Title I. The CSS BOY Checklist will keep you in compliance with all the back-to-school federal requirements. … Read More
Micro-Purchase Threshold Self-Certification for 2024-25 Due Oct. 1 (Optional)
When it comes to purchasing with grant funds, micro problems can become mega problems if you don’t follow proper procedures. You might have previously raised your micro-purchase threshold (EDGAR allowed starting 2021), but action is needed annually to maintain it. If you are new or want to make a change, you can consider this option … Read More
Applying for Sub System of Time & Effort
You know how sometimes you do something just in case you need it? Applying to use the substitute system of time and effort is a “just in case” situation; because if you don’t apply, you can’t use it. Why would I need it you ask? If you end up needing to split-fund an employee with … Read More