ESSA Newsletter

Can you believe that in just a couple of weeks your halls will be filled again with students eager to learn and teachers working hard to make a difference? Summer has flown by, but there are still a couple of weeks left to prepare your federal programs for success in the 26-27 school year.

This month's edition of our ESSA Newsletter is a mini federal programs summer camp. In this newsletter, you'll find:

• information on the 25-26 ESSA Compliance Report
• updated beginning of the year ESSA checklist
• tips for setting up your parent and family engagement activities for success
• and so much more!

As always, we are here to help. Think of us as camp counselors - we know the rules and we're here to help you follow them!

- Tami, Mercedez, and Monica

www.esc15.net/titlei

The 2025-26 ESSA Consolidated Compliance Reports and Rural Low Income Schools (RLIS, if applicable) are now available in eGrants. You may access them under the Compliance Reports tab. TEA has posted resources for completing the compliance report, linked here:

• Mockups, Instructions, and Videos
• What happens if LEA reports Not in Compliance?
• Program Compliance Self-Check Guide

Both compliance reports are due by September 30.

If you contract with ESC 15 for ESSA Support, Tami or Mercedez will complete the report(s) on your behalf and let you know when they are ready for your review and submission. Please keep a look out for correspondence from our ESSA team to get these reports submitted in a timely fashion!

Please 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.

The Financial Accountability System Resource Guide (FASRG), Version 20, became effective June 21, 2026. One of the updates included in this revision was the addition of Fund Code 214, Title IV, Part A–Student Support and Academic Enrichment. As a result, Notice of Grant Award (NOGA) certificates for the 2026–2027 ESSA Consolidated Federal Grant Application have been updated, as applicable, to reflect the new fund code for Title IV, Part A.

Beginning with 2026–2027 grant awards, school systems should use Fund Code 214 for financial accounting and reporting requirements associated with Title IV, Part A.

Questions? Let us know or contact: financialaccountability@tea.texas.gov

Based on questions received from the field related to REAP AFUA, TEA reached out to the USDE for guidance and were provided with the following responses to their questions:

Supplement, Not Supplant (SNS) Question:

The REAP Informational Document references that when an LEA is utilizing the flexibility under AFUA, Supplement, Not Supplant requirements apply (Q/A: III-F-7). If an LEA is utilizing REAP AFUA to implement Title I, Part A allowable activities with 100% of its Title II, Part A funds, which Supplement, Not Supplant requirements apply? Title I, Part A Methodology or Title II, Part A Traditional Presumptions of Supplant?

SNS USDE Response:

In general, when considering whether a proposed activity is supplemental, an LEA should determine whether it would have funded this activity with other Federal, State, or local funds if no federal funds were available. If the result of this determination is that no other Federal, State, or local funds are available to fund the proposed activity, then the LEA may be able to use funds for those activities, provided they are an allowable use of such funds.

There are three situations when it will be presumed that supplanting has occurred:

• if the activity is one that would ordinarily be covered with other Federal, State, or local (for example, in most cases, standard textbook purchases would ordinarily be covered with State or local funds);

• if the LEA previously funded the activity with other Federal, State, or local funds; or

• if the activity is State-mandated or required by Federal law (e.g., provision of certain services to English learners required by Federal civil rights laws).

If a proposed activity falls into one of these categories, it does not mean that the proposed activity is, in fact, supplanting; rather, in these situations, it would be the LEA’s obligation to demonstrate that the proposed activity is supplemental. For example, if an LEA can demonstrate that no other Federal, State, or local funds are available to support an activity that normally would be supported with other Federal, State, or local funds, the LEA may be able to demonstrate that using SRSA funds for the activity is supplemental.

Similarly, the LEA may be able to demonstrate that, because its needs have changed, it no longer can support an activity with other Federal, State, or local funds that it supported in the prior year. Again, using federal funds for this activity might then be supplemental. The LEA must be able to demonstrate through written, contemporaneous documentation (e.g., State or local legislative action, budget information, school board minutes, or other materials) that it would not be able to fund a particular activity in the absence of such funds.

Applicability of Program Requirements Question:

The REAP Informational Document references that when an LEA is utilizing the flexibility under AFUA, an LEA’s exercise of AFUA as to all of its Title II, Part A or Title IV, Part A funds means that, beyond the application and eligibility requirements, as long as the LEA uses the funds for an allowable activity under an authorized title’s program (i.e., Title I, Part A, Title II, Part A, Title III, Title IV, Part A, and Title IV, Part B), the LEA is not subject to the rules or requirements of Title II, Part A or Title IV, Part A (Q/A: III-F-5). Title II, Part A, and Title IV, Part A, both have specific prioritization and consultation requirements. When an LEA is utilizing REAP AFUA to implement allowable activities under an authorized title’s program, do the Title II, Part A/Title IV, Part A prioritization and meaningful consultation program-specific requirements apply?

Applicability of Program Requirements USDE Response:

When exercising AFUA, Title II-A and/or Title IV-A funds (i.e., the original program) may be used for an allowable activity under Title I-A, Title II-A, Title III, Title IV-A, and/or Title IV-B (i.e., the destination program). The intention of AFUA is to expand the allowable uses of the original program’s funds. As such, funds are not bound by the rules and requirements of the original program nor the destination program so long as they are used toward an allowable expense. However, these funds are still subject to the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, including an LEA’s responsibility to demonstrate that the funds are supplemental, not supplanting.

Another AFUA requirement includes providing equitable services, as outlined on pg. 47 of the Informational Document.

Our Region 15 still has questions on this guidance! We will provide updates as TEA gives us more information.

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

ESSA:

• Title I-A FAQ (08/25)
• Title I-D FAQ (11/22)
• Title II-A FAQ (09/25)
• Title IV-A FAQ (09/25)
• ESSA Private Nonprofit Equitable Services (09/25)

There have been several changes to EDGAR and UGG purchasing requirements over the past few years. We've updated our EDGAR procurement checklist to reflect these changes. As always, you should refer to your local policies and procedures prior to using this resource. You are required to use the most restrictive method of procurement, which could be your own local policies and procedures. Click on the images below to download the EDGAR Procurement Checklist and Sample Document.

Our BOY ESSA Checklist is hot off the presses and ready for you to use! Click the image or the title above to download it.

It’s almost time to complete your ESSA Consolidated Compliance Reports—are you ready?

To help you prepare, we’ve updated our District and Campus Compliance Checklists to align with TEA’s latest ESSA Consolidated Compliance Reports Program Compliance Self-Check Guide (Version 8.1). These checklists are a great way to make sure you’ve addressed everything that will show up on the report before you submit in July 2026.

You’ll notice updates marked with NEW in bold red text, making it easy to spot what's new to the report this year for you to double-check as you finalize your documentation.

Reminder: these aren’t new requirements—just items that will now be included on the compliance report.

Take a few minutes to review your checklist now. It’ll make the reporting process much smoother later! As always, we’re here if you need us! Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or for support.

This year, we're trying something new! We're incentivizing you to engage and attend. Grab your 2026-27 ESSA Passport and attend sessions to win prizes. You can view the schedule here: 2026-2027 Region 15 ESSA Workshop Schedule.

Coffee Chats

Our ESSA team hosts a coffee chat on the first Tuesday of the month. At times, we may have to adjust the coffee chat schedule to accommodate meetings with TEA or travel. Coffee chat dates/times are included in our professional development schedule. During our coffee chats, we review the monthly newsletter and answer any questions you may have.

TEA's Department of Grant Compliance and Administration (GCA), in partnership with the ACET LEA CNA Committee, is launching Statewide Office Hours for 2026. These bi-weekly sessions are designed to provide timely updates, practical guidance, and an opportunity for open discussion with districts across the state.

Office Hours will be held on alternating Thursdays from 2:00–3:00 p.m. and began February 12, 2026. The next session will take place August 13.

Each session will include:

• Department Updates & Hot Topics (20–25 minutes)

• Division-Specific Focus + Open Q&A (35–40 minutes)

Agendas will be shared the Monday prior to each session via GovDelivery.

District staff are encouraged to register and participate in these valuable conversations to stay informed and connected. Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LJOrFAg9TXOJ_EuA6pScpQ

*once you register, you'll receive a calendar invitation for all scheduled events*

GCACon (Grant Compliance Administration Conference) is the premier, all-in-one professional development event designed to break down silos and streamline the experience for all education staff. This year’s conference represents an evolution, consolidating the Parent & Family Engagement (PFE) conference with all other Federal Title Programs under the Grant Compliance Administration Department at the TEA. By offering a singular, high-impact destination, GCACon respects district time and travel budgets. GCACon will be held November 10-12 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, TX.

Programs included in GCACon:

• ESSA 1116 Parent and Family Engagement
• Title I, Part A
• Title I, Part C
• Title I, Part D
• Title II, Part A
• Title III, Part A
• Title IV, Part A
• Title IV, Part B (21st CCLC)
• Title V, Part B (REAP/RLIS)
• Perkins V
• McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
• PNP Equitable Services
• Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR)/Uniform Grant Guidance (UGG)

For more information on pricing and to register, please visit the GCACon webpage.

We hope that your parents will decide to take plunge and dive into this incredible parenting course, Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors! We believe it will be different from most classes parents have taken and books that they have read to learn more about neuroscience, the effects of toxic stress, and parenting strategies.

The content is so rich and full of information and knowledge for parents to share a new way to look at things! There will be opportunities for discussions, questions, and examples that we can all talk about.

Also, along with the Zoom Classes, Anne (the presenter) will be sending parents a workbook, refrigerator sheets and other resources for them to use to reflect and use with their own personal family and children. We have actually had parents say they use the language and concepts with each other!

Classes start Thursday, August 20th at 11:30 am. Parents are welcome to come, it is FREE of charge and a great resource.

Once parents register, Anne sends them the zoom link to connect. She will also send it out before the session so it is at the top of their e-mails.

Please see the attached flyer to register and feel free to share it out with your parents!!

Big change this year! Our required PFE workshops will be held in person, one in the fall and one in the spring and will not be recorded.

Join us September 2 from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. as we cover:

• Annual Title I meeting requirements,
• PFE evaluations, and
• Building capacity

We’ll also hear from specialists in Pre-K, Head Start, Bilingual Education, McKinney-Vento, Migrant Education, Mental Health, and other programs that support families. This is especially helpful for our smaller districts where staff members often wear many hats!

We look forward to seeing you September 2, the link and QR code below to register!

Join us in person as we break down PFE Policies and School-Parent Compacts and turn them from compliance documents into meaningful tools that truly support families.

Through guided activities, examples, and collaboration, you’ll learn how to create (or refine) policies and compacts that reflect your campus, meet ESSA requirements, and actually work for your families.
Whether you're starting from scratch or ready for a refresh, this session will help you move from “checking the box” to creating something impactful.

Click here to register!

This event provides the tools you need to support your student's education while offering a space to engage with experts and participate in meaningful peer discussions with other parents.

What You Will Gain:

• Practical Strategies: Get helpful advice and resources to support your student’s academic progress and success.
• Stronger Partnerships: Learn how to build effective working relationships with school faculty and staff.
• Collaborative Dialogue: Join group sessions with other parents to discuss the real challenges and opportunities of parenting today.
• Increased Engagement: Discover new ways to stay involved in all aspects of your child’s education and lead as an advocate.
• Peer Community: Connect with a supportive network of parents to share experiences and build confidence in your role.

Instructional & Fiscal Alignment: Provides a singular destination to manage programs effectively from both an instructional and a compliance perspective.

Budget Efficiency: Consolidating multiple initiatives into one event respects district time and travel budgets.

High-Impact Learning: Includes 85+ breakout sessions and intensive Micro Institutes for deep dives into each programmatic area for intensive, specialized knowledge.

Direct Updates: Attendees receive critical updates directly from Texas Education Agency (TEA) and Education Service Center (ESC) officials and National Leaders such as The Bruman Group, PLLC.

Professional Development: Earn approximately 17 clock hours of credit.

Extended Resources: Registration includes three months of access to the conference app and all digital session materials for ongoing district-wide training.

Introducing the Engaging Texas Families Podcast, a new podcast from the Parent and Family Engagement Statewide Initiative!

Each episode, we’ll help you connect, grow, and empower your family with practical tips and insightful conversations. We’ll explore the tools, strategies, and resources you need to be an engaged and confident partner in your child’s success.

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