This must be the year for unexpected surveys from TEA! In July, CSS told you about the Survey on Reporting Real Property, and on Aug 22, TEA Grant Compliance announced another new survey requirement called the “Indirect Cost Utilization Survey.” All LEAs that were issued indirect cost rates (IDCR) in the last 3 years (2020, … Read More
Micro-Purchase Threshold Self-Certification for 2023-24 Due Oct. 1 (Optional)
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 2022-23 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
New Home Language Survey Effective August 9, 2023
Does the back-to-school rush have you running behind? Well, you are not alone! Just last week TEA released a new Home Language Survey (HLS) to use when enrolling new students starting August 9, 2023 ! Unfortunately, the enrollment packets you have so nicely prepared will need an adjustment. The Home Language Survey is an important document … Read More
Title I Supplemental Methodology Requirement
We love our acronyms in the federal world, and when dealing with Title I, you will often hear the term SNS mentioned. 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 … Read More
Special Education Consolidated (Federal) Grant Application
Summertime means it’s time to prepare and submit your charter’s 2023-2024 Special Education Consolidated (Federal) Grant application. These funds (also known as IDEA-B) provide supplemental resources to help LEAs ensure that eligible students (ages 3-21) with disabilities are provided with a free appropriate public education as required by federal statute. At CSS, we are working … Read More
Beginning of Year Activities for Federal Programs
Summer is breezing by, and it’s time to get organized for the pending school year. There are many things you must remember to do, so CSS has created a federal checklist to help keep you organized. Start checking them off today to start your year off calm, cool, and collected! The CSS Federal Programs Team … Read More
New Pregnancy Protection Regulations
The U.S. Senate passed two acts that help working moms who are pregnant or breastfeeding, which went into effect on June 27, 2023. PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT The first new regulation, known as The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for medical conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth. The law states that … Read More
Campus Improvement Plan or Charter Instructional Plan
Would you travel to a destination without a plan or a road map? Probably not. And just like a road map, your Campus Improvement Plan or Charter Instructional Plan (CIP) provides your team with a pathway to define your goals, create evidence-based strategies to target the goals, and determine how they will be monitored and … Read More