Staying Connected
Updates, Resources and Support for PNP Equitable Services
October 2026
TEA ESSA PNP Ombudsman
Welcome to the first edition of the Texas Education Agency’s Every Student Succeeds Act
(ESSA) Private Nonprofit (PNP) Ombudsman Newsletter!
I am delighted to share this new resource with our school systems, Education Service Centers,
PNP school partners, and other stakeholders across Texas. As the TEA PNP Ombudsman, I
have the privilege of working with dedicated professionals who are committed to ensuring
eligible students and educators have access to equitable services and opportunities. This
newsletter is one more way we can stay connected, share important updates, and support one
another throughout the year.
Each issue will provide timely reminders, resources, training opportunities, and practical
guidance to help strengthen consultation, collaboration, and compliance with equitable services
requirements. I hope that you find this newsletter both informative and useful in your work
Thank you for your partnership and for the important work you do on behalf of students,
educators, and families. I look forward to continuing to work alongside you and supporting your
efforts throughout the year.
Warm regards,
LaNetra Guess
Deputy Program Management Director
ESSA Private Nonprofit (PNP) Ombudsman
Texas Education Agency
"Stronger partnerships create stronger opportunities for all students."
Title I, Part A, Capacity Building Initiative
Welcome to Staying Connected, the newsletter to support PNP Equitable Services! We are thrilled to connect with you as we work together to support schools, educators, and students across Texas.
In partnership with the Texas Education Agency, the Title I, Part A Capacity Building Initiative provides statewide resources to help LEAs and PNP partners navigate program and fiscal implementation—expanding opportunities so every student has the support to meet State academic standards.
In each issue, you can expect timely policy updates, best practices, compliance reminders, and practical tools tailored to support your day-to-day work. Thank you for your ongoing partnership, leadership, and dedication to expanding opportunities for Texas students!
TEA PNP Equitable Services Workgroup
The TEA PNP ES Workgroup provides a forum for collaboration and discussion on equitable services requirements and implementation practices. Workgroup members represent local education agencies (LEAs), Education Service Centers (ESCs), PNP schools, and PNP accrediting agencies. Together, we share updates, identify challenges, discuss promising practices, work collaboratively, and provide feedback that helps TEA strengthen statewide PNP school guidance and support for stakeholders.
PACES
Introducing the Private Nonprofit Access, Consultation, and Equitable Services (PACES) Statewide Initiative Grant
TEA is pleased to announce the launch of the 2026-2027 PACES Statewide Initiative Grant, administered by Region 10 Education Service Center on behalf of the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
The purpose of the PACES Statewide Initiative grant is to provide statewide Title II, Part A, and Title IV, Part A, equitable services to eligible private nonprofit (PNP) schools on behalf of the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Program activities will include coordinating with the TEA PNP Ombudsman, conducting a statewide needs assessment of eligible PNP schools, identifying applicable equitable services based on assessed needs, and facilitating the implementation and delivery of those services.
Stay tuned! Additional information about the PACES Statewide Initiative, including available services and opportunities for PNP school staff participation, will be shared soon.
Staying Connected
Registration for 2026- 2027 Statewide ESSA Equitable Services: PNP Ombudsman Virtual Office Hours - Q&A Sessions
Join the TEA PNP Ombudsman for Statewide Virtual Office Hours sessions focused on ESSA equitable services for private nonprofit (PNP) schools. Participants may ask ESSA PNP program-related questions and receive clarification on program requirements. Sessions will not be recorded.
Advance registration is required to receive the Zoom meeting link. Only ESSA PNP program-related questions will be addressed.
November 6, 2026 |11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Central Time
January 13, 2027 |11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Central Time
March 30, 2027 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Central Time
May 5, 2027 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Central Time
Stay Plugged In
TEA ESSA Private School Equitable Services
TEA ESSA PNP Equitable Services FAQ
Statewide ESSA Title I, Part A, Capacity Building Initiative
USDE Title I, Part A, Equitable Services Updated Non-Regulatory Guidance (May 2023)
USDE Title VIII, Part F, Equitable Services Non-Regulatory Guidance (July 2023)
Do you know where the PNP Locator Map is posted?
Meet the Team
LaNetra Guess
Texas Education Agency
Carrie Atchison
Title I, Part A Capacity Building Initiative
Daniel Kotara
Title I, Part A Capacity Building Initiative
Cindy Underwood
Title I, Part A Capacity Building Initiative Digital Media