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

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

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

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