Federal regulations require TEA to annually evaluate each grant recipient’s risk of noncompliance with the federal statutes, rules, terms, and conditions of their award.
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
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
EDGAR Part II: Allowable Costs and Procurement
In order to run a school system, you have to make purchases. There is a great deal of responsibility involved to make sure funding intended for the students is regulated with care. An added layer of review is necessary when these purchases involve federal grant funds. Some charter districts are a one-man or two-man operation, … 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
Beginning of Year Activities for Federal Programs
The 2025-26 school year is in sight, and it’s time to get organized to start the year off right! Planning and parental engagement are at the top of the list for the new year of federal programs, especially Title I. The CSS BOY Checklist will keep you in compliance with all the back-to-school federal requirements. … Read More
Stronger Protections, Shorter Timelines: New Mandates for Misconduct Reporting in Texas Charter Schools
Keeping students safe isn’t just a moral obligation…it’s the law. The 89th Texas Legislative Session introduced Senate Bill 571 and House Bill 4623, which tighten reporting timelines, expand definitions of reportable misconduct, and remove key legal immunities for charter schools in cases of sexual misconduct and failure to report. SB571 became effective immediately when signed … Read More