December Reporting Deadlines: Is Your School Ready?
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
10/20/2026
As the end of the calendar year approaches, Texas school districts and open-enrollment charter schools are preparing for several important reporting deadlines. From transportation reporting and attendance projections to depository compliance and annual financial audits, the coming weeks bring responsibilities that can directly impact funding, financial accountability, and compliance.
While many reporting requirements are shared across Texas public schools, others differ based on whether a school operates as an Independent School District (ISD) or an open-enrollment charter school.
Here are four important updates every school business office should have on its radar:
December 1: Transportation Operations Report
Applies to: ISDs and Charter Schools Receiving Transportation Funding
Schools receiving transportation allotment funding must submit their annual Transportation Operations Report through TEA's Foundation School Program (FSP) application by December 1, 2026.
Both the Route Services Report, due August 1, and the Operations Report, due December 1, are required for schools to receive transportation funding.
What should schools do now?
Review transportation expenditures, reconcile applicable financial records, and coordinate with transportation personnel to ensure required information is complete and accurate.
Learn More: TEA School Transportation Funding
December 15: Biennial Attendance Projections
Applies to: ISDs and Charter Schools
TEA has opened the Attendance Projections module for the 2027–2028 and 2028–2029 school years. School systems must review, certify, and submit projections by December 15, 2026.
These projections play a critical role in determining state funding estimates for the next biennium and establishing future cash flow expectations.
Why is this especially important this year?
TEA has emphasized that projected attendance accuracy and certification will impact future FIRST ratings for both types of school systems:
ISDs: School FIRST Indicator 15
Charter Schools: Charter FIRST Indicator 16
These indicators evaluate how closely projected ADA aligns with actual attendance, along with whether the projections were properly certified.
Schools should also consider changes associated with the new special education funding model, including projected service intensity tiers and service groups.
What should schools do now?
Finance, PEIMS, special education, and campus leadership should work collaboratively to evaluate historical attendance, enrollment trends, student retention, and anticipated growth before certifying projections.
inSchools TIP: Our team has developed a comprehensive forecasting model to assist school districts and charter schools with evaluating enrollment, ADA, and projected state funding. Schools partnering with inSchools are encouraged to contact their Finance Director to begin reviewing their projections.
Learn More: TEA Attendance Projections for 2027–2028 and 2028–2029
December 1: Depository Contract Reporting
Applies to: Open-Enrollment Charter Schools
Open-enrollment charter schools must annually submit depository contract information to TEA by December 1.
If a charter school's depository contract remains unchanged from the prior submission, a statement confirming that no changes have occurred may be submitted instead of a new contract.
What about ISDs?
Independent School Districts operate under separate depository contract requirements and timelines. ISDs are not subject to this annual December 1 charter reporting requirement but should continue monitoring their own depository agreements and applicable banking compliance obligations.
What should charter schools do now?
Confirm whether any banking arrangements or contract terms have changed and complete the appropriate submission through TEAL.
Learn More: TEA Financial Compliance Calendar
FY2026 Audit Deadline Extension:
What Schools Need to Know
Applies to: Eligible ISDs and Charter Schools With a Federal Single Audit
TEA has announced an important extension to the FY2026 Annual Financial Report (AFR) submission deadline for 6/30 fiscal year end schools due to delays in the release of the final 2026 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Compliance Supplement.
For school systems required to complete a Federal Single Audit, the AFR submission deadline has been extended to 30 days after the release of the final 2026 OMB Compliance Supplement.
A Federal Single Audit is generally required when a school system expends $1 million or more in federal awards during the fiscal year.
Does the extension apply to everyone?
No. The extension depends on whether the school system is required to complete a Federal Single Audit, not whether it operates as an ISD or charter school.
For school systems not requiring a Federal Single Audit, the established submission deadlines remain:
June 30 fiscal year-end: November 27, 2026
August 31 fiscal year-end: January 28, 2027
Boards may approve financial statements before the Single Audit is completed; however, the completed Single Audit must subsequently receive board approval.
What should schools do now?
Continue working closely with auditors, review board approval timelines, and verify whether the school qualifies for the extension. Schools should not delay audit preparation simply because an extension is available.
Learn More: TEA FY2026 Annual Financial Report With a Federal Single Audit
The Bottom Line:
Prepare Now, Avoid Surprises Later!
Timely and accurate reporting is an essential part of protecting funding, maintaining compliance, and supporting strong financial accountability.
Review upcoming deadlines, confirm internal responsibilities, and ensure that the information being submitted is supported by reliable financial and student data.
How Can inSchools Help?
At inSchools, we recognize that every school system has unique operational and financial responsibilities. Our finance and school operations teams support both ISDs and charter schools with financial forecasting, audit coordination, reporting compliance, and strategic financial planning.
Contact your inSchools team to discuss how we can help your school prepare for the upcoming reporting cycle.