The Audit application used to submit and upload annual audit financial information in TEAL is being updated by TEA, now called “Audit 2.0.” IMPORTANT: The November 27, 2025, submission deadline for FY 2025 annual financial reports will not apply to entities with a June 30 fiscal year-end for this year’s submission only. The current revised submission deadline … 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
Special Education Teacher Certification
Filling vacancies in teaching positions could be a challenge, especially when it comes to special education. When it comes to certification, charter schools must go by their approved charter EXCEPT when it comes to ESL and Special Education teachers. SPED and ESL teachers must be certified in all charters, so obtaining permits while teachers are … Read More
School Improvement Ratings, Funding, and LASO Grant Cycle 4
What is the latest on federal funding for school improvement? The list of schools in need of improvement under the federal system was released on August 14, 2025. Similar to LASO 3 last year, funding for schools identified for improvement will become part of the LASO Cycle 4 grant. As usual, intervention activities and written … 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
2023 State Report Card Dissemination
Be ready this year with an influx of report card distributions. Due to the 2022-23 and 2023-24 state accountability ratings being released late after a drawn-out court challenge, the state report cards (SRCs) are just now being released by TEA. In the prior two years, the FEDERAL report cards were still distributed, but the State … 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
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
Travel Pay from Federal Grant Funds
For any program to be successful, having well-trained teachers to implement it is a must. For this reason, staff travel is often necessary in federal programs. However, there are many rules and regulations about paying travel using grant funds. The LEA must have written travel procedures and detailed documentation of travel expenses. Travel can be … Read More