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Upcoming School Finance Trainings

Truth in Taxation (TNT)

Session ID 119721 | May 6, 2026 | 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

TNT laws govern the property tax rate setting process in Texas. This TNT short course will go over the basics of TNT with interactive games and exercises. It will also provide tools that you can use during the rate setting process, including a calendar and a spreadsheet template (so bring your laptop!) on calculating the debt rate. 

This in person session is free to member of the Business Manager Cooperative (BMC).

Presenter: Laurie Mann of Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP

Cost for non-BMC members is $50

Virtual Building a Sustainable Virtual Learning Program

Join us for an informative webinar focused on planning sustainable virtual and hybrid learning programs under SB 569. This session is designed to help district leaders explore implementation options, compare program models, and better understand the key planning questions that come with building a TEA-compliant program.

This session will provide practical guidance, expert perspective, and examples from districts across the country. Participants will explore and gain insight on staffing models, program design considerations, and the pros and cons of different approaches, and will receive an SB 569 Virtual and Hybrid Program Toolkit and Checklist to support local planning.

This session is intended for Superintendents, CAOs, CTOs, & CFOs

Session ID 119928 | May 12, 2026 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Session ID 119929 | June 9, 2026 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

TASBO Training Offered at ESC-20

TASBO's Budget and Financial Planning

Certification Course 

As the budget development season approaches, this is a great course for Business Managers/CFOs and other finance/budget staff.

Presented by: Julie Novak, Asst. Superintendent for Finance and Operations, Fort Sam Houston ISD

When: Friday, May 8, 2026

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (CST)

Lunch: On your own

Meeting Format: In-Person Only

Cost: $220 Member | $295 Non-Member

Location: ESC-20's Fred Maples Conference Center, 1314 Hines, San Antonio, Texas 78208

Visit TASBO's webpage for registration & more information

Take a sneak peak of our

26-27 School Finance Commitments

The 26-27 Commitment System will launch on May 13, 2026

Business Manager Cooperative (BMC)

The Business Manager Cooperative (BMC) provides Business Managers and Chief Financial Officers with technical assistance and timely updates on School Finance, Federal Program Compliance, PEIMS, and Food and Nutrition Services. The cooperative includes 5 Critical Issue Sessions, 5 Touch Base Sessions, and 4 days of Investment Officer Training.

Participants gain access to over 50 hours of technical assistance and informational sessions during the school year, delivered by experts from the ESC-20 Client Business Services Team, MoakCasey, LLC, and external partners—providing substantial cost savings.

School Finance Academy: Foundations

The School Finance Academy: Foundations is designed specifically for individuals who are new to school finance roles—including new Chief Financial Officers, Business Managers, and aspiring school finance leaders. Whether you are building foundational knowledge or strengthening your confidence in school finance operations, this Academy provides practical, hands-on guidance and a deeper understanding of the processes that support effective financial management in school systems.

School Finance Academy: Next Level

The School Finance Academy: Next Level helps school finance professionals deepen their financial expertise while gaining exposure to essential leadership and communication practices. Participants explore strategies for navigating more complex financial scenarios, strengthening processes, and supporting sound decision-making. At the same time, they are introduced to approaches for communicating effectively with stakeholders and contributing to overall organizational effectiveness.

2026–2027 UPDATED Planning Amounts for ESSA Consolidated Federal Grant Application Now Available

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has released updated planning amounts for the 2026–2027 ESSA Consolidated Federal Grant Application.

Key Highlights:

• Revised Figures: These amounts have been updated to reflect the most recent enrollment data for school districts and open-enrollment charter schools.

• Estimates Only: These figures are currently estimates based on U.S. Department of Education (USDE) budget tables.

• Where to Find Them: You can view the updated amounts on the TEA Grant Allocations and Award Balances webpage.

• Other Grants: Entitlements for Special Education (IDEA-B) and Perkins V are expected to be released no later than May 13, 2026.

For specific questions regarding these allocations, school systems can contact the Federal Fiscal Compliance and Reporting Division at entitlements@tea.texas.gov.

SDPVS Preliminary Findings

The Property Tax Assistance Division (PTAD) of the Texas Comptroller's office  has certified the 2025 School District Property Value Study (SDPVS) preliminary findings, with local values accepted for 95.6% of the 1,351 school district splits evaluated.

Current Status of Appeals:

• Active Appeals: There are currently 311 appeals in progress from the January 30 certification.

• Appeal Types: The majority (73%) seek to correct previously reported data, while others involve protests from school districts or eligible taxpayers.

• Protest Window: The deadline for districts with findings certified on March 11 passed on April 20; these protests will be processed throughout the spring.

Next Steps: Final findings for the 2025 SDPVS are scheduled to be certified to the Texas Education Agency and published on the SDPVS webpage in August.

MAP RESULTS

The Property Tax Assistance Division has issued several key updates regarding Methods and Assistance Program (MAP) reviews and compliance:

• 2025 MAP Reports: Final reports have been released. Chief appraisers have been notified, and superintendents can download copies for their boards via the MAP webpage.

• TDLR Referrals: 19 appraisal districts were referred to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) for failing to complete recommendations from their 2024 reports. TDLR will oversee their progress over the next year.

• 2023 TARP Results: The Taxpayer Assistance Resource Program (TARP) final reports were released on April 6, 2026. These reports detail whether districts reviewed in 2023 reached "substantial compliance" with recommendations issued in 2025.

You can view the full results on the MAP and TARP webpages.

2023 TARP Review Final Result 

The 2023 Targeted Appraisal Review (TARP) final reports were published on April 9, 2026.

These reviews focused on appraisal districts with school districts that received consecutive invalid findings in the 2020–2022 SDPVS. Following a one-year implementation period that ended in February 2026, the newly released reports detail:

• Initial findings and recommendations from February 2025.

• Results of follow-up reviews confirming substantial compliance.

Full reports are now available on the TARP webpage.

High Cost Funds

The HCF application helps school districts (LEAs) offset the costs of serving students with intensive needs. If a student’s special education services exceed three times the state average, you may be eligible for supplemental funding.

• Application Deadline: Monday, May 4, 2026

• Qualifying Cost Amount (QCA): $40,926

• How to Apply: Submit your application via the APEX application in TEAL.

Note: Only costs for direct special education services identified in the student's IEP are eligible. For more details, please refer to the Texas HCF State Plan. For more information on this topic, please visit the TEA webpage. 

ESC-20 will be closed on

May 25, 2026 for Memorial Day