The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)1 is a federal law governing K-12 education in the United States. Passed into law during December 2015, ESSA reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and supersedes the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). While the fiscal year 2026 budget for the U.S. Department of Education proposes a 15.3% cut, Title I funding remains the largest component of ESSA funding.2
The requirements for performance and subrecipient monitoring will remain unchanged; this article outlines key measures and program guidance on how administrators can prepare to meet these evolving compliance standards.
Features of ESSA
ESSA aims to provide all students with a fair, equitable, and high-quality education by:
Increasing State Flexibility: State education agencies (SEAs) have more control over their education systems, allowing them to tailor their approaches to meet local needs.
Enhancing Accountability: States create accountability frameworks that incorporate a variety of indicators of academic performance, graduation rates, and English language competency.
Supporting Disadvantaged Students: ESSA includes grants to school districts that provide disadvantaged and high-need students the support they need to succeed.
ESSA has several key programs aimed at improving education across the country. Some of the main programs involved in ESSA include:
- Title I, Part A: This allocates funds to local educational agencies (LEAs) such as
- public school districts,
- charter schools,
- special education act districts or state supported schools
The goal is to provide children with significant opportunities for a fair, equitable, and high-quality education and to reduce educational achievement gaps among different student groups. This program aims to enhance essential program management by local agencies and makes sure that students meet state academic standards.
- Title II, Part A: This section focuses on enhancing the quality of instruction by offering professional development for educators, including training for teachers, principals, and other school leaders.
- Title III, Part A: The goal of this is to improve the education of English learners and immigrant students.
- Title IV, Part A: Under ESSA, this section provides funding for academic enrichment and student support and well-being programs. The grant can be used for various purposes, including after-school STEM activities.
- Title V, Part A: This supports the development of high-quality charter schools.
- Section 1003: School Improvement: This focuses on school improvement efforts.
- Section 1003A: Direct Student Services: This provides direct services to students.
LEAs can apply for these grants through their SEA. They need to follow the application process, which usually involves submitting detailed plans on how the funds will be used. The required documentation must also be submitted. The SEA will review the application and, if approved, allocate the funds accordingly.
Key Measures for LEAs Under ESSA
ESSA has several compliance requirements that states and LEAs must follow. The requirements outlined below are designed for students to have access to a high-quality education and help ensure that schools are held accountable for student outcomes.3
Academic Standards: States must adopt challenging academic standards in the core subjects (reading, math, and science). These must be aligned with college and career readiness expectations.
Assessments: States are required to administer annual statewide assessments in reading, math, and science to students in grades three through eight—and once in high school.
Accountability: States must develop and apply a statewide accountability system that includes measures of academic achievement, graduation rates, English language proficiency, and another state-selected indicator of school quality or student success.
Report Cards: States must provide annual report cards with information on student performance, school quality, and other relevant data. These report cards must be accessible to parents and the public.
Support for Struggling Schools: States must identify and support schools that are underperforming or those reporting significant achievement gaps. That includes developing extensive support and improvement plans for the lowest-performing schools.
Professional Development: States must use a portion of their Title II funds to provide professional development for educators to improve instruction and student achievement.
Equity: States must allow students, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, access to high-quality education. This includes upholding critical protections for high-need students.
Transparency: States must provide parents and the public with clear, understandable information about school performance and the state accountability system.
How LEAs Can Prepare for ESSA Fund Monitoring
Effective monitoring of federal funds is crucial for amplifying the impact of the funds. SEAs must monitor LEAs receiving ESSA funds through their agencies. School districts then must monitor the schools (including charter schools) that receive ESSA funds. Here are some helpful areas to consider:4
1. Follow 2 CFR 200 Guidance
- An annual inventory check of federally owned property in the custody of a recipient or subrecipient must be conducted and reported to the federal agency or pass-through entity. A best practice is to conduct inventory checks twice a year—once in the fall and again during the summer.
- Conducting regular reconciliations of the general ledger, the budget versus actual reports, and expenditure reports is crucial for maintaining the financial health of a grant. These internal reconciliations help your LEAs or SEAs remain financially responsible and compliant with grant requirements. Reconciliations should be performed promptly to identify and address any discrepancies. This practice not only can enhance precise and prompt reimbursement requests, but it can also strengthen overall financial management by enabling informed decision making, strategic planning, and audit preparedness.5
- Documenting procedures that adhere to the 2 CFR 200 requirements is essential for LEAs to comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This documentation helps standardize procurement processes and provides a clear framework for accountability and transparency. It’s crucial to be aware of procurement thresholds, such as obtaining at least three quotes for goods and services valued between $10,000 and $250,000.6 Regularly reviewing and updating these procedures can help LEAs manage their procurement activities effectively to meet necessary guidelines and maintain eligibility for federal funding.7
2. Develop a Thorough Plan
Collaborate with leadership personnel to create a detailed plan that outlines allowable ways the grant funds will be used, including specific goals, activities, and timelines. This plan should align with the state’s accountability system and address the needs of students.
3. Regular Financial Reporting
Create a system for regular financial reporting to track expenditures. This includes maintaining accurate records of transactions and providing timely reports to stakeholders. Monthly budget reconciliation reviews should be held with district personnel who oversee the budget.
4. Conduct Regular Internal Audits & Reviews
Regularly perform internal audits and reviews to confirm compliance with federal requirements. Guage your internal controls and adhere to your current policies and procedures, adjusting as necessary. This process helps identify discrepancies or areas for improvement, allowing for prompt corrective actions.
5. Engage Stakeholders
Include important parties in the monitoring process, including parents, community members, teachers, and school administrators. Stakeholder opinions can offer insightful information and help guarantee that money is being spent wisely to promote student achievement.
6. Utilize Technology
Utilize technology to simplify the monitoring process. This can include using software for financial management, data analysis, and reporting to improve transparency and efficiency. Technology can also assist in maintaining records of expenditures, such as receipts, invoices, and time and effort logs. In addition, technology can grant specific users authorization access, thus restricting access for other personnel and tracking involved parties for compliance purposes.
The monitoring process includes confirming adequate recommended documentation for expenditures made using grant funds, conducting site visits, and providing technical assistance to address any areas of non-compliance. By following these tips, states and districts can effectively monitor programs and improve student outcomes.
Next Steps With ESSA
Federal funds serve as essential tools to support states and school districts nationwide. Staying compliant and up-to-date in an ever-evolving industry can be challenging, but we are here to assist in every possible way. Whether it is fixed asset monitoring, grants management, or compliance training, our Grants Management team can provide the help you need.
For more information or questions about ESSA compliance, please reach out to a professional at Forvis Mazars.
- 1“President Trump Releases ‘Skinny’ FY26 Budget Proposal,” aasa.org, May 2, 2025.
- 2Ibid.
- 3“Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards,” ed.gov, March 19, 2025.
- 4Ibid.
- 5“Subpart D – Post Federal Award Requirements, Section 200.300 Statutory and National Policy Requirements,” ecfr.gov, January 3, 2025.
- 6Ibid.
- 7Ibid.