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
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
ESSA Consolidated Grant Application
Summer is grant writing time in the federal world! This can often be our busiest time of year with closing out previous year grants, and planning and applying for the next round. One of the main ones is the ESSA Consolidated Grant Application that is the formula grant (non-competitive) for the major title funds (Title … Read More
Gun Free Schools Report
When is your last day of school? We have a task for you to do the day AFTER that date. Thank goodness gun incidents are rare; nonetheless, all charter districts that receive any federal funds must submit the Gun Free Report (PR6000) by June 29, 2024. This is the one case where you should not … Read More
TCLAS Grant Changes and Possible Survey Due April 6, 2024
If you have funding from more than one TCLAS decision, the information in today’s article might come as good news for you! TEA is allowing money to be moved between TCLAS decisions in some cases. However, if you wish to do so, you must complete a survey by April 6! No TCLAS funds? You can … Read More
New Grant Opportunities in eGrants
You might have noticed some new grants appear in your eGrants screen recently under “Grants/Apply for eligible grants.” Oddly enough, you might not even be eligible. This article is to explain the grants and how to respond in eGrants to either apply or reject them. Action is required by all Charter Districts. What is the … Read More
ESSER Annual Reporting Due Feb 16, 2024
CSS previously ran this tip in November; however, we are releasing it again as a reminder because the deadline is near! The clock is winding down for ESSER funds. Someday the paperwork will come to an end too, but not this year! This is not the first year of ESSER annual reporting (APR), but just … Read More
Gearing Up for SAFE Grant Cycle 2 – Compliance Report Due Jan 31, 2024
The SAFE Grant Cycle 1 grant is yet to be due on Jan 26, 2024, and the few who applied early are just starting to receive their NOGAs. To make matters more confusing, TEA is gearing up for the next grant called SAFE Grant Cycle 2. SAFE grant Cycle 1 was for charters that still … Read More
Need-to-Knows about State and Federal Report Cards
Schools are all about grading, but sometimes the schools are graded themselves. This is the case with the Federal Report Cards. Please be aware that the Texas Education Agency produces TWO types of report cards annually – the School (State) Report Card (SRC) and the Federal Report Card (FRC). Usually, CSS distributes this tip with … Read More