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
Random Validations Begin – Title I, II, and IV
This October may bring more a trick than a treat if you are selected for program monitoring validations on your ESSA-funded programs! The good news is that if you are picked, you will have until almost Christmas to submit the paperwork. If you weren’t selected last year and aren’t selected this year, you can bet … Read More
Completing the 2024-25 ESSA Compliance Report
CSS is redistributing the compliance report tip as a friendly reminder that it is due September 30, 2025! The prior year is not truly complete in the federal world until compliance reporting is complete. The back-to-school rush is at hand, but annual compliance reporting for Title funds is upon us! With a due date of … Read More
Phone-Free Schools Grant
Controversial as the cell phone ban decision was, your school year may be starting with less cell phone hassles from students. As you know, the legislature passed a law (HB 1481) banning cell phones and other personal devices, such as smart watches and ear buds, in the classroom. Hopefully, you have your school system policy … Read More
Title I Supplemental Methodology Requirement
Does your new budget year start September 1? CSS is re-running our previous tip about a Title I annual requirement. Many charter districts are starting new budget years on July 1, and planning for Title I funds must be part of the new budget year – especially if you have multiple campuses in the same … Read More
Beginning of Year Activities for Federal Programs
The 2025-26 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 2025-26 Due Oct. 1 (Optional)
Spending time gathering quotes for purchasing is time-consuming. You might be interested in an option to allow less quoting, but there are requirements to consider. 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, … Read More
Applying for Sub System of Time & Effort
Better to be safe than sorry! You might not have any split-funded staff in your federal grants next year, but it is better to get on the list just in case. Why would I need it you ask? If you end up needing to split-fund an employee with a federal grant later in the 2025-26 … Read More
ESSA Grant Application 2025-26
Summer break isn’t much of a break in the world of federal grants. Applications must be submitted for the next round of funding to get ready for the next school year! The ESSA Consolidated Grant Application, that is the formula grant (non-competitive) for the major title funds (Title I, II, III, and IV), is a … Read More
End of Year Federal Activities for Charter Districts
Preparation is the name of the game! Finish off your federal grant compliance strong to set yourself up for success next year. CSS’ handy checklist below contains “all things federal grants” that you need to finish up the year! You will find all pertinent TEA deadlines that you can add to your calendar today! So … Read More