Money! Now that we have your attention, did you know you can claim indirect costs on your federal grant awards and keep the money no strings attached? To do so, Charter Districts must first request an indirect cost rate, and today’s article is about how to go about obtaining one. Indirect Costs are the costs … Read More
Bilingual/ESL Allotment (PIC 25/35) and Written Policy and Procedures
New audit requirements can be a “spooky” topic, but here at CSS, we don’t want to leave you in the dark! Beginning with fiscal year 2022, you will be required to attest that you have written policies and procedures for your bilingual and/or ESL program. Although the same will be required for your State Compensatory … Read More
Random Validations Begin – Title I, II, and IV
It is highly doubtful you are raising your hand shouting “pick me” for random validation of your federal program compliance. Face it, it’s not like winning the lotto! You can rest easy that if you are selected, you do have time and assistance to prepare. Read on to find out what the random validations will … Read More
District Improvement Planning (DIP) for Charter Districts
You have heard the expression “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail,” and when it comes to school improvement, this is certainly the case. Having a well-designed DIP can help your organization have focus and reach its goals, but in some cases, it is also required by law. According to the federal law, … Read More
TCLAS Grant – Texas COVID Learning Acceleration Support
Wading through the abundance of government funding that has become available in response to the COVID pandemic can feel like swimming in an ocean. Every time you turn around, a new wave is coming. Staying afloat is a challenge, but CSS is here to assist you with today’s lifesaving article that provides the basics about … Read More
NEW 2021 Travel Guidelines are now available
Travel has been largely stagnant since Covid hit, but people are starting to venture back out to in-person meetings and events. CSS wants to make sure you are up to date on the most current travel rates. On April 1, 2021 school officials were notified by the TEA that the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts … Read More
Title I, Part A Paraprofessional Requirements
Clarity. Having a clear understanding of the often-murky waters of Title I regulations is a good thing! The Federal Program Compliance Division at TEA has recently posted updated guidance on the requirements for paraprofessional positions funded fully or in part by Title I, Part A federal grants. If you have any paraprofessionals, you will want … Read More
Random Validations – Title IV, Part A
This is the third in a series of program checkups. Click here for the first article on Title I, Part A, and click here for the second review on Title II, Part A. Collaboration and planning are key in ESSA program compliance, and Title IV is very similar to Title II regarding documenting your stakeholder … Read More
HB 3 Required School Board Plans and Goals
Has your Texas Charter School Board adopted the two required plans under House Bill 3 – Early Childhood Literacy/Math Plan (EC-LM) and College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) Plan? The original timeline was for both plans to be adopted and in place by the end of the 2019-20 school year, but the deadline has been … Read More
Special Education Fiscal Compliance Survey due November 6
The Special Education Fiscal Compliance Survey is due November 6, and must be completed by all Charters who receive IDEA B funds whether you receive SHARS funding or not. In the past, this report was only for SHARS participants; however, this year, the State is collecting data regarding 2019-20 expenditures in program intent code PIC … Read More