The SFSF document includes more information about the use of the funds. In addition there are a number of new questions in the Texas Steps Up section and nine new questions relating to the Application for State Fiscal Stabilization Funds.
Some of the highlights include:
1. Q.* Can our district use SFSF funds to pay for School Health and Related Services (SHARS) program costs?
A. We have been unable to get USDE guidance on this question. Therefore, at this time we recommend that school districts not use SFSF funds to pay for SHARS program costs.
1. Q.* If our district purchases computers for the district with SFSF funds under Title II, Part D, of NCLB, do we have to comply with the 25 percent professional development requirement?
A. No.
12. Q. Our district is purchasing multiple computers, each of which costs less than $5,000. The total cost is $300,000. Is this expense considered capital outlay? Does this expense require specific approval from the TEA? In what section of the BS6004 – Program Budget Summary and Support part of the application should we enter this cost?
A.* If the purchase of computers has a unit cost of less than $5,000, the computers do not have to be capitalized. Your district should track these assets for inventory purposes but does not have to capitalize them.
However, if your district is purchasing these computers for a computer lab or a "computers on wheels" (COWs) computer lab, the purchase would be considered a unit and must be capitalized.
Of course, your district should follow its local capitalization policy if that policy requires capitalization of assets less than $5,000. Your district should also follow its local policy on getting prior approval.
Yes. The cost for the computers is considered capital outlay and, as such, requires specific approval from the TEA.
If your district is purchasing the computers for a computer lab or a COWs computer lab (and the cost for the purchase is $5,000 or more), enter the cost in Part 10: 6600 – Capital Outlay – Capital Assets Regardless of Unit Cost.
