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Training & Resources

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

Tax Rate Adoption Workshop

August 11, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 11:45 AM

TASBO is offering a tax rate adoption workshop again this year. Join them to  walk through every step in the process and learn where to find all the information necessary to adopt your tax rate. This online workshop will take place on August 11, 2026 from 9:00 AM - 11:45 AM. You can find more information and register by clicking here or the button below. 

2026–2027 Federal Grant Application Trainings

(SPED & Perkins V)

TEA is preparing to release the 2026–2027 federal grant applications for Special Education and Perkins V funding.

Application Release Timeline:

• Special Education Consolidated Grant Application (Federal): June 3, 2026

• Perkins V (Career & Technical Education): June 12, 2026

• Perkins V (Institutions): June 12, 2026

Submission Deadline: All applications must be submitted to TEA by September 3, 2026, to be considered for funding.

Webinar Trainings Available

TEA staff will host application training sessions via video conference webinars.

• How to Participate: Click the session titles below in your portal to register in advance.

• Missed a Session? All trainings will be recorded and posted on the Grants Administration's Grant Resources webpage for later viewing.

Special Education Registration

June 24, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Perkins V Registration

June 24, 2026 | 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Texas School Finance Center (TSFC)

ESC-20 is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Texas School Finance Center (TSFC) to expand school finance support for districts across our region. This collaboration provides streamlined access to service that strengthen financial operations ensure compliance, and support long-term planning. Get your school district on the path to success for: Revenue Projection Staffing Pattern Analysis Compliance Management Business Coaching Full-Services Solutions & more! Visit their website for more information.

26-27 School Finance Commitments are open for enrollment!

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.

📅Immediate Action Items & Deadlines

SHARS FFY 2025 Cost Report Corrections Now Open

The correction period for the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2025 School Health and Related Services (SHARS) cost report is officially open. Per 1 Texas Administrative Code Section 3355.105, If your Local Education Agency (LEA) needs to adjust its submitted report, you have a 60-day window to do so.

🗓️ Key Dates

• Opened: June 2, 2026
• Deadline: July 31, 2026

🛠️ How to Submit a Correction

You can request corrections using one of two methods. For both options, make sure to include your Business License Application (BLA) number, a brief description of the issue, and the specific correction needed.

• Option 1: STEPS Ticket (Preferred)
  • Submit a ticket directly through the State of Texas Electronic Provider System (STEPS). Check section four of the STEPS General System Guide if you need step-by-step instructions.
• Option 2: Email
  • If you experience issues with STEPS, you can email your correction request directly to the HHSC SHARS staff.

For questions regarding this notice, email the HHSC SHARS staff or call (512) 730-7400

Click here to see the full bulletin. Click here for more information.

SY 2025-2026 Tax Information Survey Now Open

The Tax Information Survey (TIS) for the 2025–2026 school year is open in TEAL via the Foundation School Program (FSP) Application. This is a required data collection for school districts (it does not apply to charter schools).

⚠️ Critical Note: Completing this survey ensures accurate tax data is used for your near‑final Summary of Finances (SOF) estimates in September. Failure to submit by the deadline could adversely affect your district's state funding.

🗓️ Key Dates & Deadlines

• Opened: June 1, 2026
• Deadline: August 31, 2026, at 11:59AM

📝 What to Report (Use Whole Numbers Only)

Districts must report School Year 2025–2026 data for the following items (do not submit data for the upcoming 2026 tax year):

• Estimated total current/delinquent M&O collections (excluding penalties, interest, or fees)
• Estimated total current/delinquent I&S collections(excluding penalties, interest, or fees)
• Total current M&O and I&S taxes levied
• Total M&O payments to a Tax Increment Fund (TIF), if applicable
• Tax refunds under Section 26.1115(c), Tax Code, if applicable

Note on TIF Payments: Districts may net estimated I&S payments to a TIF from total I&S collections. If you choose to do this, email your supporting documentation to taxprograms@tea.texas.gov.

💻 How to Access & Submit

1. Log In: Access TEAL and select the FSP application. (Requires the Data Survey User role to enter data).
2. Navigate: Select Tax Information Survey from the Programs drop-down menu.
3. Enter & Save: Input data using whole numbers. Review carefully—once submitted, data cannot be revised until the J-1 schedule is submitted (which won't reflect in SOF reports until April 2027).
4. Approve: A designated District Approver (typically the superintendent) must certify and submit the survey.

For assistance with the FSP Application system, including information on applying for specific roles, please visit the TEA FSP System web page or contact Jared Dabdoub at (512) 463‑8117. For assistance with the 2025–2026 TIS, please contact Meco Harris at (512) 463‑6313 or email taxprograms@tea.texas.gov.

Click here to view the full bulletin. 

🔍Informational & Future Planning

TEA Retiring PIC Codes for State Comp Ed

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is retiring several Program Intent Codes (PIC) starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The good news? TEA is handling the heavy lifting on the backend, so there is no need for immediate panic or complex system crosswalks.

📋 What is Changing?

• Retired Codes: PICs 26, 28, 29, and 30 will be completely retired.
• PIC 24 Consolidation: Districts can still use PIC 24 internally for budgeting and tracking. However, for all official state reporting and PEIMS submissions, TEA will automatically consolidate PIC 24 into PIC 11.

💼 What LEAs Need to Do

• No Crosswalks Required: LEAs do not need to perform TSDS crosswalks or manually adjust reporting structures for the PIC 24 consolidation. TEA is managing this on the reporting side.
• Watch the Guide: Review the short video linked below to learn how to budget for these changes while keeping your historical data accurate.

Need Help? If you have any questions about adjusting your internal budgeting, reach out to your assigned Business Consultant for guidance.

TEA Updates Special Education Funding Model

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has released updated guidance regarding the state’s transition to a new intensity-based funding model for the special education allotment.

📋 What You Need to Know

• The Transition: Texas is moving toward a funding system based on the intensity of services provided rather than just student headcount.
• Commissioner's Role: The released letter details the commissioner’s responsibilities in developing these new special education funding formulas.
• Upcoming Requirements: The guidance outlines the specific data collection and reporting requirements that Local Education Agencies (LEAs) will need to follow for the upcoming school year.
• Summer Support Available: TEA highlighted an available grant designed to provide districts with financial and administrative support during this summer transition period.

Click here to learn more.

Feds Approve TEA "Ed-Flex" Application

The U.S. Department of Education has officially approved Texas as an Ed-Flex state, joining 18 other states. This designation grants the Texas Education Agency (TEA) the authority to issue local waivers for certain federal requirements without waiting for individual federal approval.

🌟 What This Means for Districts

• Less Red Tape: TEA can now directly waive specific statutory or regulatory requirements under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the Perkins Career and Technical Education Act.
• Local Control: This flexibility is designed to eliminate federal hurdles that might otherwise stall local school improvement initiatives.

🛡️ What Cannot Be Waived

To protect students and taxpayers, Ed-Flex does not allow waivers for core federal protections and funding requirements, including:

• Maintenance of Effort (MOE)
• Equitable services for private school students
• Parental involvement requirements
• Civil rights protections
• The standard distribution of federal funds

Click here to learn more. Click here for more Ed-Flex information.

ESC-20 will be closed for Juneteenth on

June 19, 2026