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
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
Basic Grants Management
Grants can be a great way to add funds to your school budget, but dealing with grants is not simple. The payoff of receiving grants can be worth it if you are cognizant of the regulations and rules of the grant. Before you venture too far into the grant waters, take the time to understand … 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
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
Gun Free Schools Report
Thankfully, gun incidents are rare; nonetheless, all charter districts that receive any federal funds must submit the Gun Free Report (PR6000) by June 30, 2025. This is the one case where you should not do it early. The reason being that an incident could happen after you submit it. The good news is, if you … Read More
Completing the Semi-Annual Certification for Federally Funded Staff
It may seem just like you just did time and effort in January, but it is almost time to do it again! With the end of the second semester imminent, CSS is here once again to remind you to do your time and effort for all federally-funded and State Comp Ed staff. The purpose of … Read More
Title I Paraprofessional Requirements
As you get ready to hire and plan for next year, CSS has important information to share regarding the qualifications of paraprofessionals on a Title I schoolwide campus. Whether you currently have Title I paraprofessionals or you are looking to add new ones, ALL instructional paraprofessionals on a schoolwide campus must meet highly-qualified requirements prior … Read More
When to Amend Federal Grants
Failing to amend a grant can be a costly mistake when grants are winding down and you are trying to finalize draw-downs. Before your grants end this year, CSS recommends that you make sure the remaining funds are budgeted where you need them in Expenditure Reporting. Perhaps your summer plans have changed, an added expense … Read More