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CAARO Updates

Information for select state and federal categorical programs and annual kindergarten through grade twelve (K–12) audits.

The purpose of the California Department of Education (CDE) Categorical Allocations and Audit Resolution Office (CAARO) updates is to provide local educational agencies (LEAs) and other interested parties with timely information, such as notifications regarding key reporting deadlines, applications for funding, annual audits, and any other topics related to programs administered by CAARO.

Key Dates

Description Dates

Fiscal Year 2026-27 Reporting Window for Consolidated Application and Reporting System (CARS) Application for Funding Page opened on May 1 and will close on December 15, 2026.

5/1/2026 - 12/15/2026
FY 2026-27 Literacy Coaches and Reading Specialists Opt-Out Form is open for California Education Code (EC) Section 53009.1(a), as added by Section 118 of Assembly Bill (AB) 126 (Chapter 65, Statutes of 2026). No Action is required if an LEA elects to accept the funding: Opt-Out Form 9/30/2026
FY 2022-23 Arts, Music, and Instructional Materials (AMIM) Discretionary Block Grant Final Expenditure Report
A final expenditure report must be submitted through the AMIM portal no later than September 30, 2026.		 9/30/2026
FY 2021-22 Educator Effectiveness Funds (EEF) Final Expenditure Report
A final expenditure report must be submitted though the EEF portal no later than September 30, 2026.		 9/30/2026

Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) Grant Management and Reporting Tool (GMART)

FY 2024-25 GMR 5:

  • Performance Period: July 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026
  • Final Expenditure/Closeout Report
  • Subgrant Performance Report

FY 2025-26 GMR 2

  • Performance Period: July 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026
  • CSI Plan Approval/Adoption Dates
  • Expenditures
 10/01/26-10/31/26

Federal Cash Management Data Collection (CMDC) reporting window opens October 10 and will close on October 31, 2026.

Active Fiscal Years to report cash balance: 2024-25, 2025-26, and 2026-27

 10/01/26-10/31/26

Updates

Resources

 

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Questions:   Categorical Allocations & Audit Resolution Office | CAAR@cde.ca.gov
Last Reviewed: Monday, September 28, 2026
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