Federal End of Year Activities for Charter Districts

Welcome to our handy end of year checklist! It contains all things federal that you need to finish up the activities for year! The purpose of this document is to keep you informed of all the documents that are required this time of year and the deadlines that they are due to TEA. This will … Read More

Mid-Year Federal Grants Review (ESSA & IDEA-B)

Check ups are important! They keep us on track. The middle of the school year is a good time to check up on your federal grants by conducting a mid-year review. How would I go about doing that you ask? CSS has an excellent training resource in our Mid-Year Federal Grants Review Online Course – … 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

Micro-Purchase Threshold Self-Certification for 2022-23 Due Oct. 1

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 2021-22 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

Title I Supplemental Methodology Requirement

SNS is not a typo for SOS! 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 federal funds. If you need tutoring for this test, today’s article is for you! Many … Read More

Beginning of Year Activities for Federal Programs

The sun is setting on summer even though it doesn’t feel like it in this Texas heat! There are many things you must remember to do, so CSS has created a federal checklist to help keep you organized. Stay “cool” with compliance, and start checking them off today! The CSS Federal Programs Team works directly … Read More

Beginning of Year Activities for Federal Programs

The sun is setting on summer even though it doesn’t feel like it in this Texas heat! There are many things you must remember to do, so CSS has created a federal checklist to help keep you organized. Stay “cool” with compliance, and start checking them off today! The CSS Federal Programs Team works directly … Read More

Action Required – ESSER III URL Update

Perhaps you have been making changes to your website to get ready for the 2022-23 school year, or your plans for ESSER III funds or COVID protocols have changed. If your charter district received ESSER III funds, the “Use of Funds” plan and the “Return to In-person Instruction (RIPICS)” plan must be posted on your … Read More

ESSA Grant Application 

Summer is not vacation time in the federal world. Federal staff are busy planning and writing grants to receive funds for the upcoming school year. At CSS, we have been working with our clients to help them understand the changes in the grant application.  The ESSA Grant Application is the TEA required application for LEAs … Read More