CAARO Update April 2026: ESSA Funding Allocations and Key Deadlines

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:39:54 +0000
Education

The California Department of Education's Categorical Allocations and Audit Resolution Office (CAARO) published its April 2026 update covering ESSA program allocations and compliance deadlines. Federal ESSA Title I Part A preliminary allocations for FY 2026-27 total approximately $2.33 billion, up $57.8 million from the prior year final allocation of $2.27 billion; Title III Part A decreased by roughly $2.98 million. The Federal Cash Management Data Collection window runs April 10–30, 2026, and LEAs must fully expend and liquidate funds for several one-time state programs (A–G Completion Improvement Grant FY 2021–22, Arts/Music/Instructional Materials Block Grant FY 2022–23, and Educator Effectiveness Block Grant FY 2021–22) by June 30, 2026. Title V Part B SRSA applications become available April 13, 2026 with a May 18, 2026 transmittal deadline. Key 2024–25 K–12 annual audit milestones include COE certifications due to CDE and SCO by May 15, 2026.