2022-24 TCLAS Grant: Decline Window Closes June 1, 2023

This note is to inform local educational agencies (LEAs) of an upcoming critical deadline to decline or reduce funding received from the Texas Covid Learning Acceleration Support (TCLAS) grant. Launched in September of 2021, The TCLAS grant included 15 unique initiatives customized for learning acceleration, supporting more than 700 LEAs across the state.  

Considering the unique timing and volume of TCLAS funds, TEA has accommodated TCLAS decline requests since September 2021. However, now that LEAs have had over 1.5 years since the initial award date to consider and begin implementation of grants, the TEA is ceasing to accept decline requests. This decision is in alignment with TEA policy on other grants.  

Timeline 

To that effect, TEA is pursuing the cessation of the TCLAS decline & change request process in accordance with the following timeline: 

• May 1, 2023: TEA sends this letter to LEAs informing of the cessation of TCLAS decline requests 
• June 1, 2023: Deadline for LEAs to notify TEA of the TCLAS decline request(s) 
• August 30, 2023: Returned funding will be reallocated by TEA to other grant programs and or other LEAs in need 

Next Steps  

If you intend to decline any TCLAS funding, please adhere to the following steps:  

• Your LEA should review its current TCLAS awards and determine whether to continue, reduce, or decline awards. 
• No response is needed from your LEA to continue with your award as is. 
• If your LEA chooses to reduce or decline awards, then follow the steps outlined below to submit a reduction or decline before June 1, 2023, at 5:00 pm CT. 
• If your LEA is still interested in declining TCLAS decision(s) (ex. Decision 1a RSSP) or reducing the award amount, please submit a letter with the following elements: 
• Written on official district letterhead notifying TEA that your LEA is requesting this change  
• Making explicit note of the specific TCLAS decisions declined or reduced (e.g., “Decision 1a RSSP”) and the dollar amount awarded or in-kind supports provided 
• Signed by the superintendent or authorized official  
• Sent to the following email addresses:  
• christina.villarreal@tea.texas.gov 
• tclas@tea.texas.gov 

Although we hope that LEAs decide to retain their TCLAS awards, we also understand a situation may arise that necessitates a decline ore reduction. We will be happy to support the LEAs in their choice; however, we will not accept requests to reduce or decline after June 1, 2023.  

If there are any questions or if your LEA needs any support, please reach out to the TCLAS Team at TCLAS@tea.texas.gov.