RAC Round Up | Sept. 2026
Administrative Updates | Region 14 ESC
September 2026
Welcome Back!
We are providing a new structure to the RAC packet to provide the most relevant information to superintendents and district leaders into one singular newsletter after the live session. Feel free to jump to the section updates you need using the table of contents. We hope that you will find this as an improved experience with less clutter.
Each Director has provided their tailored updates below and we have also included access to the breakout session materials from our latest RAC meeting.
RAC Agenda & General Session Resources
BREAKOUT SESSIONS - FEATURED FOCUS
Superintendent Breakout Session
LASO 5 & Accountability: Opportunities, Insights & Action
This session will provide a brief overview of the many initiatives included in LASO 5, with a focus on key opportunities and considerations for districts. Participants will also engage in a deeper look at district accountability data. The session is designed to support collaborative discussion and strategic planning among area superintendents.
Setting the Stage: Laying the Bedrock of EAF and CCMR for School Systems
This presentation provides a practical roadmap for implementing effective advising practices in elementary and middle school that build a foundation for postsecondary readiness in high school students. Participants will explore the Effective Advising Framework (EAF) as a leadership-driven approach to student planning and examine the evolution of College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) toward high-value pathways. The session will also highlight how the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) can serve as a collaborative bridge, helping rural districts expand student opportunities that align with the new CCMR indicators.
TSDS/PEIMS Reporting: A District Leader’s Roadmap to Data Accuracy, Audits, Timelines & Reporting Success
Tailored for district leaders, this presentation outlines essential strategies for managing TSDS/PEIMS data, auditing CCMR and attendance reports, and protecting state funding. It provides a concise roadmap covering critical submission timelines, key data verification protocols, and upcoming Region 14 support resources to ensure seamless reporting compliance.
Administrative Report
Leanne Ingram | Deputy Executive Director of Academics | lingram@esc14.net
Steve Post | Deputy Executive Director | spost@esc14.net
Superintendent Resources
Access Region 14 Superintendent Resources
The Region 14 Superintendent Resources page is a one-stop location designed to help superintendents quickly access important tools, reminders, calendars, compliance resources, and links that support district leadership. From monthly reminders and key dates to board training, certifications, required postings, attendance guidance, and other administrative resources, the page brings frequently needed information together in one convenient location. Superintendents are encouraged to bookmark the page and use it as a go-to resource throughout the year.
Superintendent Leadership Forum Sponsored by Coryell
Mark your calendars for our Superintendent Leadership Forum sponsored by Coryell. These four-part leadership meetings are designed to encourage, inspire, and challenge you as you lead your districts through one of the most demanding and consequential seasons in Texas public education.
We are honored to have former Texas Commissioner of Education Dr. Mike Moses and TASA Executive Director Kevin Brown among our featured speakers. One of the sessions will also feature a panel discussion with both current and former Texas superintendents, providing an opportunity to hear firsthand perspectives on leadership, perseverance, and navigating the challenges facing public education today.
The first three sessions will be part of your Superintendent Forums and will be held at:
Abilene Country Club, 4039 S. Treadaway Blvd., Abilene, TX beginning at 10:00am.
All three sessions begin at 10:00am at Abilene Country Club (4039 S. Treadaway)
Lunch is provided.
October 7
January 13
March 3
The final session will part of RAC:April 7
Our hope is that each gathering will provide more than information—it will provide encouragement, perspective, and renewed strength for the journey ahead.
Business & Student Services
Emily Jeffrey | Chief Financial Officer
Upcoming Financial Deadlines
Financial audit work typically begins in earnest in September and October. Business managers will be working on entries to prepare for that audit.
Third quarter 941 and TWD reporting will be due Oct 31
Public Funds Investment Training
October 28, 2026 | 9 am - 4 pm | Session 118155
This training is free to those who need to maintain their Investment Officer Certification. State law requires 10 hours of Public Funds Investment Act Training in your first 12 months of being an investment officer and 10 hours every 2 years thereafter.
Texas Student Data/PEIMS
TSDS
September 14, 2026 - Session 117808
R14 will present updates directly from the Texas Education Agency (TEA), covering TSDS Submission changes for the current and upcoming school years.
✳️TSDS Fall PEIMS Submission: A Guide for ASCENDER Users
ASCENDER
October 22, 2026 - Session 117812
During this session, participants will receive guidance on reviewing the necessary reports in ASCENDER to ensure data accuracy. We will also cover the steps PEIMS coordinators must take to complete the submission process.
✳️Student Attendance Accounting Handbook (SAAH) Changes & Attendance Audits –
Presented by TEA
TSDS
October 28, 2026 - Session 117811
Student Attendance Accounting Handbook (SAAH) Changes & Attendance Audits – Presented by TEA
✳️Fall & Mid Year PEIMS Submission: A Guide for ASCENDER Business Users
ASCENDER
Oct 22, 2026| AM Session followed by TGIO- Session 118146
Join us for a half day session covering business data reporting in Fall and MidYear PEIMS submissions. This will be followed by TGIO (Thank Goodness it's October) where we will share news and new tools while celebrating the work done to close out 2025-2026 and roll into 2026-2027. Lunch will be served. Reserve your seat by Oct 15!
Fall PEIMS Review- In Person
Join us for a dedicated workday in the computer lab to assist school districts with their Fall PEIMS submission in TSDS. This workday is designed for PEIMS Coordinators and Business Managers to collaborate and complete their district’s submission.
November 5th
November 17th
November 19th
Curriculum, Accountability & Leadership
Kriste O'Dell | Director of Curriculum, Accountability & Leadership
Candilyn Smith | Associate Director
LASO 2026-2027 (Cycle 5) Consolidate Application
The LASO Cycle 5 Consolidated Application will offer 21 grant opportunities designed to support five learning acceleration strategies: Strategic Planning, Curriculum & Instruction, Strategic Talent Systems, More Time, and Innovative School Models.
Application Window: September 23–December 1, 2026
Estimated Awards: February 2027
Estimated NOGA Release: March–May 2027
TEA will host General Webinars on September 14 and September 18, followed by weekly LASO Application Office Hours beginning September 28. Program-specific webinars will be offered October 7–28.
Districts are encouraged to review the available opportunities early and identify those that best align with their local priorities, student needs, and improvement strategies. Visit the TEA LASO 26–27 (Cycle 5) webpage for grant details, timelines, webinar registration, and application resources.
Questions or Want to Discuss Options for Your District/Campus?
The Region 14 CCAL team is available to help you explore LASO opportunities and determine which options may best fit your district or campus needs.
Kriste O'Dell, CCAL Director
kodell@esc14.net | 325-675-8690
Candilyn Smith, CCAL Associate Director
csmith@esc14.net | 325-675-8660
State Assessment Changes: STAAR to Student Success Tool (SST)
Texas is transitioning from STAAR to the new Student Success Tool (SST), with full implementation planned for the 2027–28 school year.
TEA’s House Bill 8 (HB 8) Student Assessment website serves as the central location for the latest SST information and resources. District leaders can access assessed curriculum documents, assessment blueprints, scoring rubrics, reporting tools, implementation timelines, FAQs, and other resources as they are released.
We encourage districts to stay connected to the HB 8 Student Assessment website throughout the transition for the most current guidance and updates from TEA.
Resources:
CCMR Changes for 2026-2027 Freshman Class
TEA has proposed a differential weighting system within the CCMR indicators that will take effect for the 2031 accountability cycle. This year’s Freshman class will be the first group of graduating seniors that will be impacted. To help districts plan for the changes, TEA is providing an ongoing webinar series that can be found on the CCMP website.
Save the Date | STEAM Adventure for 3-5th Grade | November 10-12, 2026
Get ready for a new STEAM Adventure—and mark your calendars early! This year’s event is moving earlier in the school year to November 10–12, 2026. Region 14 ESC invites 3rd–5th grade students to the Abilene Convention Center for an exciting, hands-on experience where students will explore, create, problem-solve, and discover STEAM in action.
Contact: Amanda Carpenter | View Website
Phone: (325) 675-8689
Email: acarpenter@esc14.net
Dates: November 10, 11 & 12, 2026
Location: Abilene Convention Center
Cost: Title IV SSA: $2 per student | Non-Title IV SSA: $5 per student
Save the dates and plan early to bring your students on a STEAM Adventure!
Federal Programs
Emilia Moreno | Director of Federal Programs & Early Childhood
Vicki Hayhurst | Associate Director of Federal Programs
Career & Technical Education
Federal Rescission of CTE Methods of Administration Requirements
Changes to Methods of Administration (MOA)
As a result, states are no longer required to conduct federally prescribed MOA compliance activities or submit biennial MOA reports to OCR. While the federal MOA monitoring structure has been discontinued, it is important to emphasize that the rescission does not eliminate or reduce the obligation of school systems and other recipients of federal funds to comply with applicable federal civil rights laws. All entities receiving federal financial assistance remain responsible for ensuring equal access to CTE programs and for complying with federal laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and age.
Regardless of the changes school systems must continue to:
Ensure that students have equitable access to CTE programs and services as outlined in Perkins V.
Comply with all applicable federal civil rights requirements and nondiscrimination statutes.
Maintain and implement local policies and procedures that address discrimination complaints.
Investigate and resolve complaints in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Provide required public notices regarding nondiscrimination and the availability of complaint procedures, including the prescribed nondiscrimination notice.
The required public nondiscrimination notice can be found on TEA’s CTE Perkins webpage or the direct link to continuous nondiscrimination statement.
Full TAA details: TAA on 8/27/26.
We are excited to welcome a new member to the CTE team here at Region 14!
LaLena Carpenter joins us with an impressive background in CTE. She holds a Master of Education and is a certified school counselor. LaLena recently retired from Midland ISD, where she served with distinction as the District CTE Counselor. Most recently, she has been working with the TRIO program at ACU. We are thrilled to have her wealth of knowledge and experience on our team.
2026-2027 CTE Leadership Meeting 1 of 4 on 9/24/26
These meetings are to bring together CTE leadership for networking and growing CTE programs. The importance of staying on top could be a game changer for your district's accountability and funding. Also, supporting students toward success after high school. The morning session will be to cover updates coming from TEA and other topics. The afternoon session will include deeper dives into program evaluation, industry-based certification, partnerships, supporting teachers and work-based learning opportunities that could include industry tours for administrators.
https://pitstop.esc14.net/WorkshopLink.aspx?WorkshopID=17828
2026-2027 New Teacher Cohort Meeting 1 of 4 on 9/22/26
This cohort is designed for teachers new to Career and Technical Education (CTE). CTE has many parts and it can be confusing to a new teacher or an experienced teacher (0 to 5 years in CTE). The cohort is designed to give support to teachers in learning about instructional strategies, classroom management, TEA CTE updates and the everyday challenges of creating a quality CTE program. Participants will receive resources and create a network of contacts.
https://pitstop.esc14.net/WorkshopLink.aspx?WorkshopID=17825
Enhancing CCMR Outcomes with Xello and Career Craft on 10/8/26
Join fellow Region 14 SSA counselors, administrators, and CTE directors for a comprehensive, full-day training designed to enhance student engagement and postsecondary readiness. This session bridges the gap between daily career planning and high-level district accountability.
In the morning, participants will explore Xello’s newest features, discovering practical strategies to streamline career exploration and drive student interaction. The afternoon session will highlight Career Craft’s latest CCMR monitoring enhancements and its powerful integration with Xello. Attendees will learn how to leverage both platforms simultaneously to gain actionable data insights, support state accountability standards, and improve long-term outcomes for all students.
https://pitstop.esc14.net/WorkshopLink.aspx?WorkshopID=17843
Perkins V SSA member information gathering
As we prepare for the upcoming school year, our goal is to ensure your campus has the exact support it needs. Please take a moment to complete this CTE Information Sheet. By verifying your current points of contact, programs of study, and Industry-Based Certifications (IBCs), you help us serve you better. Having this data on hand ensures that when we conduct site visits or connect over the phone, we can jump right into providing the right assistance for your specific programs.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdIJbbTsMFYlqxJQUQHVQ2KxhsxyGoxrgTSAglqZQFc-OK9Gg/viewform
2026 Fall SSA Visit Sign up
Please sign up for a time slot below so we can get your Fall SSA visit on the calendar. The CTE Team will go over CTE basics and answer any questions you might have. We're aiming to wrap these up before Thanksgiving, so please grab a spot as soon as you can. Thanks!
2025-2026 ESSA Consolidated Compliance Reports
TEA is announcing the availability of the 2025-2026 ESSA Consolidated Compliance Reports, authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
The reports are available on eGrants under the Compliance Reports tab.
Each program under the 2025-2026 ESSA Consolidated Federal Grant Application has a program compliance report. All school systems that applied for funding on their own, as fiscal agents, or as members of shared services arrangements in the 2025-2026 grant year are required to complete applicable compliance reports. The reports are designed to collect data on program participation, expenditures, and program compliance.
Reporting Deadline
Reports are due via eGrants submission by September 30, 2026.
🔴Note: Reports submitted after the due date will result in points being added to the school system’s risk assessment. Reports that are not submitted at all will result in programmatic non-compliance points being added to the school system’s risk assessment for all programs, in addition to points added for non-submission.
District EB Program Evaluation for the 2025–2026 SY
Districts need to complete the District EB Program Evaluation for the 2025–2026 SY and prepare to present it to the school board by November 1, 2026. Exceptions and waivers are due by November 1, 2026.
🔴 Reminders:
Complete the required District EB Program Evaluation for the 2025–2026 school year.
Prepare to present the evaluation to the local school board and ensure it is placed on the agenda.
Inform the school board of any exceptions or waivers that will be submitted this school year by November 1.
Complete the required District EB Program Evaluation.
Prepare to present the evaluation to the local school board.
Ensure the presentation is placed on the school board agenda.
Inform the school board of any exceptions or waivers that will be submitted by November 1.
TASBO offering series on connecting CTE, finance, and PEIMS professionals:
October 8 | CTE Student Businesses: Tracking Revenues and Costs | Online
Examine strategies to track the revenues and costs associated with CTE Student Businesses such as auto repair, floral design, cosmetology, etc.February 24 | The PEIMS Connection Series: CTE | Online
Join PEIMS coordinators and finance staff to understand your collective roles in data accuracy and funding outcomes
Illuminate and Elevate TELPAS Strategies
This workshop is designed for educators seeking to enhance their instructional strategies for Emergent Bilingual students in speaking and writing. Participants will explore effective techniques that can be integrated into their teaching practices to improve student engagement, comprehension, and communication skills. The workshop will focus on both oral and written communication, providing a comprehensive approach to developing these essential skills in students.
October 1st Registration Link:
https://pitstop.esc14.net/WorkshopLink.aspx?WorkshopID=18214
Counselor of the Year Nominations
Region 14 Counselor of the Year Nominations are open until October 16th. Be sure to complete this short form to nominate your K-12, Elementary or Secondary Counselor.
Special Education
Lisa White | Director of Special Education
- SPPI Clarification TAA: State Performance Plan Indicator (SPPI) Clarification Window open from Sept 4 - 18, 2026
- Cyclical Review Monitoring Notifications
Group 1: Oct - Dec: Roscoe, Aspermont, Merkel, Loraine
Group 2: Jan-Mar: Haskell, Trent, Moran, Ira
Group 3: Apr-Jun: Texas College Prep
- Results Driven Accountability Notifications
Unmasked Reports to districts - September 24, 2026
Masked Reports released to public - November 19, 2026
Key Reporting Milestones:
October 8, 2026 — 50% reporting milestone
December 3, 2026 — 100% reporting milestone
Technology Services
Kevin Hill | Directory of Technology Services
Digital Accessibility Support
Ashley Parker, has served for the last 3 years as a Digital Innovation Consultant and will take on a new set of responsibilities which include leading digital accessibility compliance for the ESC and regional districts within the deadlines set by the Department of Justice regarding Title II's ADA mandate. She will work to take on digital accessibility compliance (WCAG 2.1/2.2) across all ESC platforms as well as develop district staff capacity and compliance remediation. Additionally, she will continue to provide regional digital learning support.
In general, school district geographical population size determines the deadline date for compliance with the rule. NOTE: On April 20, 2026, the DOJ extended the deadlines another year to allow more time for compliance.
The NEW deadlines are:
April 26, 2027: District geographical population size serving more than 50,000 people
April 26, 2028: District geographical population size serving fewer than 50,000 people
More details will be provided regarding compliance requirement, workshops, and available district support at esc14.net/digital-accessibility
Early Childhood | Head Start & Early Head Start
Emilia Moreno | Director of Federal Programs & Early Childhood
Tina Haywood | Associate Director of Early Childhood
Region 14 ESC, we recognize that a child’s long-term academic success begins in their earliest years. Our Early Childhood team is dedicated to equipping our partner school districts with the specialized tools, evidence-based practices, and high-quality instructional support necessary to build a seamless continuum of learning from birth through Kindergarten.
Through a unified approach that integrates our Early Childhood, Pre-Kindergarten, and Head Start / Early Head Start programs, ESC 14 delivers comprehensive support tailored to meet the unique needs of your youngest learners and their families.
Introduction to Conscious Leadership:
This training introduces the principles of Conscious Leadership for educators seeking to create emotionally intelligent, connected, and resilient organizations.
Participants will learn how to lead with empathy, composure, and intentionality to inspire trust and collaboration.
Training Date: September 15, 2026
https://pitstop.esc14.net/WorkshopLink.aspx?WorkshopID=17889
HB 2 Requirements: Pre-K Partnerships and Pre-K Partnership Intermediaries
TEC § 29.153(i), established by HB 2, updated requirements related to prekindergarten (Pre-K) partnerships between school districts or open-enrollment charter schools and private providers by establishing pass-through funding requirements, requiring determinations for Pre-K expansion and tuition, and designating Pre-K Partnership Intermediaries.
HB 2 requires that a partnership between a school district or charter school and a private prekindergarten provider must provide that at least 85% of funds are passed to the private prekindergarten provider:
(i) A partnership entered into between a school district or open-enrollment charter school and a private provider for a prekindergarten class under this section must provide for the provider to receive funding for each district or school student enrolled in the class in an amount that is not less than 85 percent of the amount of funding that the district or school receives for the student. Notwithstanding Section 7.056(e)(3)(I), the commissioner may waive the requirement under this subsection on request by a school district or open-enrollment charter school in accordance with Section 7.056.
This provision applies beginning with the 2025–2026 school year.
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is accepting waiver requests for the 2025–2026 and the 2026–2027 school years to support school system compliance with this requirement using the Pre-K Partnership Pass-Through Waiver. Waiver applications are due October 30, 2026.
Additional information about the 85% pass-through requirements, what constitutes the 85% of funding, and additional waiver information is available on the Pre-K Partnership webpage.
Component Newsletters + More
Here are a few other resources which can provide more information from each component at Region 14 ESC.
BCSA Officers
- President: Mrs. Prairie Freeman | Breckenridge ISD
- President-Elect: Dr. Joe Alcorta | Lueders-Avoca ISD
- First Vice-President: Mr. Joey Light | Wylie ISD
- Second Vice-President: Dr. Jessia Gore | Snyder ISD
Region 14 TASA Executive Committee Member - Mr. Bryan Allen | Clyde CISD
Region 14 Regional Advisory Chairmen - Mrs. Prairie Freeman | Breckenridge ISD
Region 14 Commissioner's Cabinet of Superintendents - Mr. Will Brewer | Jim Ned CISD
2026-2027 Services Fee Structure
Explore our contracted services fee structure, program and service details, and more.
Click here to view or download a PDF.
Mark Your Calendar
Future RAC Meetings
Nov. 4
February 10
April 17
Event Information
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Disclaimer
This presentation is intended solely to provide general information and guidance to participants and reflects the Region 14 ESC current understanding of the presentation topics and applicable state and federal guidance. The content of this presentation is subject to change as a result of additional information and guidance provided by state and federal agencies with regulatory oversight. These presentation materials are subject to change and may be republished by Region 14 ESC with revisions. Participants may choose to seek legal counsel regarding the information and guidance provided in this presentation.