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

ARP ESSER III Reallocation: Respond by 9/16 to accept funds!

TEA has sent a survey through Smartsheets to charter districts who received ARP ESSER III grant funds. They are reallocating more funding, but in order to receive it, you need to respond to the survey by 9/16/24!  In Smartsheets you will indicate yes that you accept the funds and put which class object code (6100, … 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

Title I Parent & Family Engagement Policy

Education is a partnership between the school and the home; however, building effective partnerships can be a challenge. Schools must consciously reach out and plan for ways to engage families. For Title I schools, it can be a bigger challenge with parents facing barriers related to poverty. For these reasons, having a comprehensive plan and … 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

District Improvement Planning (DIP/LEA Plan) for Charter Districts 

Famous astronaut Buzz Aldrin once said, “Shoot for the moon; you might get there!” Space travel takes planning, and so does having really great schools! Having a well-designed DIP/LEA Plan (aka LEA Plan per TEA) can help your organization have focus and reach its goals, but in some cases, it is also required by law. … 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