Texas has numerous accountability systems for public schools. Early in the fall, your charter district reported its progress under the A-F Accountability System. In November, Results Driven Accountability (RDA) on special programs came out, and soon state and federal report cards will be coming. But let’s focus on the now. On December 16, 2022, TEA … Read More
EDGAR: Staffing, Time & Effort
One of the best benefits of federal grant dollars is the ability to add extra staffing; however, there is much to consider about compliance and documentation for federally-funded staff. The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) must be followed when hiring and documenting the time of federally-funded staff. This article and our accompanying EDGAR Staff … Read More
Annual Wage Reporting and Compliance – W-2 and W-3
Today’s tip is a friendly reminder about annual wage reporting and compliance, which includes both providing form W2 to each employee who worked for your charter in the calendar year 2022 and filing employee wage information with the Social Security Office (SSA) using form W3. As you close out the calendar year and start to … Read More
Required Internet Postings for Texas Charters
Charter schools that have websites are required by state law to post certain information on their site. If a charter fails to post the information, it can result in the charter’s mandatory revocation or restructuring of the charter holder’s governing board. Additionally, as recipients of federal funds, charters are also required by federal law and … Read More
The Annual Governance Reporting Requirement for Charter Schools
TEA collects information about charter school board members and school officers each year, as required by Texas law and outlined in TEC 12.119(b). This year’s deadline is December 1, 2022! The 2022-23 Annual Governance Reporting Form for Open-Enrollment Charter Schools is due no later than Wednesday, December 1, 2022. Charters must submit this information through … Read More
What is Required for Submission of the Charter School Certification of Fingerprinting Compliance?
It’s time for your charter school to complete the Annual Fingerprinting Certification and Statement of Compliance, due to TEA by December 9, 2022. Background Information The 2007 Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 9 requiring fingerprint-based criminal background reviews for certain school employees in Texas Public schools. Senate Bill 9 is codified in Texas Education Code (TEC), Chapter … Read More
ESSA Basic Program Requirements: Fiscal and Program
Federal funds don’t just provide money to your schools. They create programs. By focusing on solid programs, you can add to your school’s repertoire and improve your ability to serve students. But programs funded by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) are regulated by many rules that can seem confusing at times. As a savvy … Read More
Micro-Purchase Threshold Self-Certification for 2022-23 Due Oct. 1
Micro sounds like something small, right? However, not following EDGAR purchasing procedures with federal grant funds can lead to BIG problems come audit time. What is a “Micro-purchase threshold,” and why would I want to change it you ask? Today’s topic is about just that, so please read on to consider your options. At CSS, … Read More
Completing the 2021-22 ESSA Compliance Report
We know compliance reporting is the least fun thing to do at the start of school, but it can’t be avoided if you have ESSA funds. Each year, LEAs who accept Federal funds must complete a compliance report to verify activities have been implemented according to the program guidelines and the approved grant application. Hopefully, … Read More
Title I Supplemental Methodology Requirement
SNS is not a typo for SOS! SNS stands for “Supplement Not Supplant,” and prior to the start of school there is a test. It’s called the “Supplemental Funds Test,” and is for LEAs that receive Title I, Part A federal funds. If you need tutoring for this test, today’s article is for you! Many … Read More