Answers

Common questions from Texas school business offices, answered in plain language, with a link to the exact page of the source each answer comes from.

• Can I pay for IXL out of Title I, Title II, Title IV or SRSA funds?

  Yes for Title I-A, Title IV-A and SRSA if the cost is supplemental and documented, generally no for Title II-A. IXL charged to Title IV-A technology counts toward the 15% cap.

• Does the function-code board-amendment rule apply to ESC budgets as well?

  Yes. FASRG's "district" includes regional education service centers, so moving appropriations between functions needs a board amendment. An ESC board adopts its budget under TEC §8.003(f).

• How do I code a TRS late fee or penalty paid through TEXNET, including a late retiree (ER) submission?

  A TRS late fee, penalty or interest charge goes to Object 6499 from local funds. The contribution or surcharge itself stays in 6146 with the salary, even when it was paid late.

• How do I export the chart of accounts from ASCENDER?

  The ASCENDER report that lists every general ledger account is FIN3300, Chart of Accounts. Run it and use the CSV button to get a spreadsheet, if the button is enabled for it.

• How do I get a list of employees out of ASCENDER?

  ASCENDER has several employee list reports. The User Created Report (HRS9000) lets you pick your own columns and export to CSV. HRS1000 and HRS1100 print addresses. HRS1250 can limit the list to people paid in a date range.

• How do I pull a pay stub in ASCENDER?

  In ASCENDER, the report that carries the same information as a paycheck stub is HRS2500, the Wage and Earning Statement. Here is where it is and how to run it for one employee.

• How do I run a trial balance in ASCENDER?

  ASCENDER has two trial balance reports. FIN3250 checks that the month is in balance before you close the period. FIN3200 prints the trial balance plus the FASRG audit schedules.

• Where is the template for importing journal entries into ASCENDER?

  To import journal entries into ASCENDER, use Finance > Utilities > Import JV Transactions (FIN8900). The page links an Excel template and the file layout. Here are the fields and the rules the file has to follow.

• Which ASCENDER report gives me the columns I need?

  ASCENDER's help pages are organized by menu. This page is organized by what you need on the report, such as check number, invoice number, employee address, or a pay stub, and points you to the report that has it.

• Which ASCENDER report shows vendor name, invoice number, amount and PO number?

  FIN1700, the Accounts Payable Listing, lists vendor name and number, PO number, invoice number and amount for the deferred checks in ASCENDER. Here is what it shows, and the one column it does not list.

• I'm drawing down grant funds in September 2026 for expenses incurred in File ID 6 (FY26). What are the correct journal entries for the due to, due from and revenue in each year's books?

  Grant expenses from File ID 6 (FY26) drawn down in September 2026: accrue Due from State (1241) and revenue in FY26, then clear 1241 with the cash in FY27. The FASRG entries, the fiscal year digit, and ASCENDER steps.

• What are all the allowable uses of IMTA funds within EMAT?

  IMTA funds in EMAT cover three disbursement types: instructional materials, technology services and technological equipment. Here is TEA's allowable list, its non-allowable list, and how to procure.

• What is the maximum indirect cost rate a Texas ISD may charge to Title I, Part A?

  The ceiling is your district's current TEA-approved restricted indirect cost rate, because Title I, Part A is a supplement, not supplant program. How to apply it, with the TEA and federal sources.

• What is the required amount of spending for the School Safety Allotment?

  A Texas district must spend 100% of its School Safety Allotment on safety and security under TEC 48.160. How the amount is calculated for 2025-26 and where to find it on your Summary of Finances.

• When I draw down indirect costs for a grant, how do I move that revenue from the grant fund to the General Fund (199)?

  Earned indirect cost moves to Fund 199 as General Fund revenue through Due to / Due from (2171 and 1262), not an operating transfer. The FASRG entries for a state grant (5829) and a federal grant (5929).

• Function 21 vs 23 vs 13: which one does this salary go to?

  Instructional Leadership, School Leadership, or Curriculum and Staff Development? FASRG Update 20 routes principals, instructional supervisors, department heads, and curriculum coordinators to three different function codes. Here is which goes where.

• How do I pull a check register for a whole year in ASCENDER?

  FIN1800, the Year-to-Date Check Register List, pulls processed and unprocessed check transactions across a date range, not just one accounting period. Here are the parameters and what each one excludes.

• What is Function Code 11?

  Function 11 is Instruction. See exactly which salaries and costs belong in function code 11 under FASRG Update 20, and which ones go to 13, 21, 23, or 53 instead.

• What is Function Code 62?

  Function 62 is School District Administrative Support Services, and FASRG restricts it to regional education service centers. If you work at a district, you should not be using it.

• What's the difference between Fund 199 and Fund 211?

  Fund 199 is your General Fund, with board discretion. Fund 211 is a restricted special revenue fund for Title I, Part A. Here is the FASRG definition of each and why the distinction matters.

• Why aren't payroll deduction checks showing on my ASCENDER check register?

  If payroll deduction checks are not pulling into your ASCENDER check register, the usual cause is the "Include Payroll Deduction Checks?" parameter on FIN1250. Here is where it is and what it does.

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