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

Beginning of Year Activities for Federal Programs

The sun is setting on summer even though it doesn’t feel like it in this Texas heat! There are many things you must remember to do, so CSS has created a federal checklist to help keep you organized. Stay “cool” with compliance, and start checking them off today! The CSS Federal Programs Team works directly … Read More

Action Required – ESSER III URL Update

Perhaps you have been making changes to your website to get ready for the 2022-23 school year, or your plans for ESSER III funds or COVID protocols have changed. If your charter district received ESSER III funds, the “Use of Funds” plan and the “Return to In-person Instruction (RIPICS)” plan must be posted on your … Read More

ESSA Grant Application 

Summer is not vacation time in the federal world. Federal staff are busy planning and writing grants to receive funds for the upcoming school year. At CSS, we have been working with our clients to help them understand the changes in the grant application.  The ESSA Grant Application is the TEA required application for LEAs … Read More

Internal Controls

What are Internal Controls and why are they important? Internal control is defined as a process, effected by an entity’s board of directors, management, and other personnel, designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the achievement of objectives relating to operations, reporting, and compliance. Internal controls are the policies and procedures management establish to achieve the … Read More

Charter School Budget Overview: Best Practices and Processes

Effective financial management starts with a good budget. A realistic budget is a critical management and accountability tool for charter schools at every stage in their development. The process of establishing a budget forces charters to review and prioritize programs and improvements, helping them allocate resources to areas that are key to academic success. It … Read More

Budget Reporting

Some of the most important duties that a school board preforms are discussing and finalizing budgets for the charter each year, monitoring spending activity to ensure it meets budgetary guidelines, and making tough decisions when cuts are necessary. The board may also consider any opportunities for the charter to generate additional revenue. What exactly is … Read More

Texas Charter Procurement

The goal and function of purchasing departments in charter schools is to provide the highest quality goods and services available within the parameters of the approved budget and in compliance with all applicable guidelines and laws. Some charter districts are a one-man or two-man operation, so it’s even more important that all checks and balances … Read More

Operational Minutes Adjustment 2021-2022

The Texas Education Agency has announced that LEAs will receive an automatic adjustment to operational minutes for the 1st – 4th six-weeks attendance reporting periods to mitigate against FSP funding reductions due to low percentage attendance rates. This will allow LEAs the opportunity to recoup funds lost due to low attendance rates likely caused from … Read More

Salary/Payroll Overview – The Total Package

Compensation An employee’s compensation is determined by their position and responsibilities along with the amount of related experience and education they’ve obtained. An organization determines what tool best fits their structure. Districts utilize Pay Scales, Pay Grades, and Pay Step Scales to assist in the Compensation Process. These scales can fluctuate from one year to … Read More