ESSA/ESSER Newsletter

Happy New Year and welcome to the January 2025 edition of our ESSA/ESSER Newsletter! As we step into a new year, we're excited to share updates, resources, and best practices to help you navigate the evolving landscape of your ESSA and ESSER grants. Together, let's make this year a successful one by continuing to strengthen our programs and ensure compliance in the process.

- Tami Knight, Mercedez Rassi, and Monica Diaz

www.esc15.net/titlei

Districts must request an indirect cost rate each year by completing and submitting the Indirect Cost Rate Proposal (ICRP) Additional Costs Workbook (ACW).

The deadline for submitting the workbook, and thus requesting an indirect cost rate for 2025–2026 school year, is January 17, 2025. Rates will be calculated only for ISDs that submit a completed workbook. If the ISD does not submit a completed workbook, TEA will not calculate or issue a rate for that ISD for the 2025–2026 school year.

Completing and Submitting the Workbook

The ICRP ACW and the Instruction Manual are available on the Indirect Cost Rates page of the TEA website, and the ICRP ACW is also available in the secure GFFC Reports and Data Collections application (accessible through TEAL).

How are you coming along with your USDE ESSER reports?

RECAP: GovDelivery on 9/3 from TEA. announced the reporting window.

The Year 5 USDE ESSER report will be completed in two phases.

• Phase 1 - open 9/1/24; due 1/15/25, includes CROSSACT & SCHOOLS reports
• Phase 2 - open 11/1/24; due 3/15/25, includes ESSER I, ESSER II, & ESSER III reports

See graphic below for more details.

We asked our PEIMS department for help with this. Since PEIMS reports for 24-25 are currently being prepped, there are no PEIMS reports for the 9/30/24 snapshot (used for CROSSACT; the SCHOOLS report uses a 9/30/23 snapshot date).

For ASCENDER users, our PEIMS folks recommend generating HRS4450 FSP Staff Salary Report. From there you may modify the printing parameters for district/campus options. We are told that non-ASCENDER users most likely have a comparable report available.

For more help with this, reach out to your HR department (this is pretty far outside of our federal programs lane).

Do you need some help with your USDE ESSER Reports? Mercedez and Tami will be offering office hours to lend a hand!

Office Hours - most Tuesdays at 2:00-3:00 (see specific dates below).

Zoom link

In order to help schools implement compliant programs, TEA has published frequently asked questions for various program areas.

ESSA:

• Title I-A FAQ (06/23)
• Title II-A FAQ (RECENTLY REVISED! 09/24)
• Title IV-A FAQ (06/23)
• ESSA Private Nonprofit Equitable Services (07/23)

ESSER:

• ESSER FAQ
• ESSER Side-by-Side Comparison

All of our resources have been updated for the 24-25 school year! Click the items below to download!

Be sure to carefully review and address each task that is relevant to your district. If you aren't sure, reach out to Tami, Mercedez or Monica and we can help!

Our 24-25 ESSA/ESSER PD sessions have been tentatively scheduled! Keep in mind, our PD dates are always subject to change because of required trainings that we may be asked to attend.

Join us for our Federal Programs Coffee Chats! These are very informal Zoom meetings where participants log in, hear a few updates, and ask questions. Click the picture below to access the flyer and a live link to our Zoom meeting.

Join us on January 9th from 9:00-10:30 am (CST) for an eye-opening presentation on how technology is shaping the lives of Gen Z and Gen Alpha!

Explore the surprising trends in screen time, the science behind its impact, and the practical strategies your family needs to thrive in today’s digital age. Backed by cutting-edge research, this session will empower you to help your kids build healthy tech habits while staying connected in a tech-saturated world.

This is a free event and is open to parents AND educators.

Register here https://esc16.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_plbrXEvRTKCCvc_PImOiyg

These cluster sessions are intended to be a convenient way for teachers, parent liaisons, and administrators to enhance their communication skills to strengthen family partnerships! Lots of choices in dates and locations - choose the one that works best for you! Registration costs $50.

This new website is designed to support districts in empowering parents to navigate the school system with ease. Explore a wealth of resources, including informative newsletters, best practice expos, and up-to-date conference information. Whether you're seeking guidance, staying informed, or looking for ways to engage with the educational community, this website has it all. Check it out today!

Is there anything we can do to help you with your ESSA programs? Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. Our contact information is below.

Email: federalprograms@esc15.net
Website: www.esc15.net/titlei
Location: 612 South Irene Street, San Angelo, TX, USA
Phone: 325-658-6571
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Region15ESC
Twitter: @Region15ESC