The scope of our school system has changed, and we will need to implement LIFT on fewer campuses and/or with fewer campus leaders. What should we do next?

If your implementation scope has changed, submit a ticket to the LIFT Help Desk with details about the updated number of campuses and campus or district leaders. The LIFT team can support you in reviewing the change and, if needed, creating a revised award that aligns to your updated plan.

Our school system will no longer be implementing Bluebonnet Learning for a specific content area we were awarded. What are our next steps?

If you are no longer moving forward with Bluebonnet Learning for a content area included in your award, submit a ticket to the LIFT Help Desk with more information. The LIFT team will review your situation and support any necessary updates to your award.

Our school system needs an additional year to plan for HQIM instead of moving into implementation right away. What should we do?

If you need additional time to plan for HQIM implementation, submit a ticket to the LIFT Help Desk with your request and context. The LIFT team can support you in exploring planning options and determining whether an award adjustment is appropriate.

Can we change from an implementation pathway to a planning pathway, or vice versa?

Changes to the pathway you were awarded are considered an award change. Please submit a ticket to the LIFT Help Desk with your specific request and rationale so the team can review next steps.

Can we decline part of our LIFT award or reduce a portion of what was awarded?

Any request to partially decline, reduce, or reconfigure your award should be submitted as a ticket to the LIFT Help Desk with details. The LIFT team will guide you through the appropriate process.

LIFT is a multi‑year program. When can we begin using Year 1 funds?

Year 1 funds may be used once your eGrants application is approved and you receive your Notice of Grant Award (NOGA). The timing of access depends on when your application is submitted and approved.

Will funding continue in Years 2 and 3?

LIFT is structured as a multi‑year program. Funding for Years 2 and 3 is awarded through continuation of funds and is dependent on meeting program requirements. Additional guidance will be shared ahead of each continuation year.

Do Year 1 funds roll over if they are not fully expended right away?

No, funds do not roll over. Grant funds follow the approved grant period listed in your NOGA. Spending should align to that period. Year one funds should be spent prior to August 31, 2027. 

Is the funding I received in February 2026 for all three years of the grant or just one year?

The funding issued in February 2026 reflects one year of funding only. Funding for years two and three is contingent upon meeting continuation of funding requirements and will be issued in subsequent years if those requirements are met.

How much funding will my school system receive in years two and three of the grant?

Funding amounts for years two and three are still being finalized. Additional information will be shared after all school systems have accepted or declined funds in eGrants and TEA has approved final award amounts. At this time, we anticipate an approximate 30 percent reduction following the implementation year.

How many Approved Providers can our school system work with under LIFT?

School systems may engage one Approved Provider for LIFT. All LIFT grant‑funded services, including LIFT Add‑on SI PLC Support, must flow through the same Approved Provider.

Can we use the 30% portion of funds to contract with a different Approved Provider?

School systems must use the same Approved Provider for all LIFT grant-funded services. 70 percent of LIFT grant funds go directly to the Approved Provider, and the remaining 30 percent is flexible. School systems may subcontract if needed; all subcontracted work must be coordinated and executed through the school system’s chosen Approved Provider.

When is the deadline to have a contract in place with our Approved Provider?

Executed contracts, or an update on contract status, are due by April 1, 2026. 

Can a school system subcontract under the grant?

Yes. A school system may subcontract with the 30% of flexible funding in its grant; however, all subcontracted work must be coordinated and executed through the school system’s chosen Approved Provider.

Can LIFT funds be used to purchase technology such as iPads or Chromebooks?

No. Devices such as iPads and Chromebooks are not allowable purchases with LIFT funds.

Can we use LIFT funds for stipends?

Stipends are allowable for teachers and instructional coaches directly supporting LIFT implementation. Stipends are not allowable for administrators.

Can LIFT funds be used for substitute coverage or extra‑duty pay?

Yes, substitute coverage and extra‑duty pay may be allowable when they directly support participation in LIFT activities.

Can we use LIFT funds for general supplies or software tools?

Expenses must be directly tied to LIFT implementation and align with the Program Guidelines. Approved subscription licenses are located in the program guidelines. If you are unsure about a specific item, submit a ticket to the LIFT Help Desk before purchasing.

Update: FAQ - Are district or campus administrator salaries or stipends allowable under the LIFT grant?

At this time, administrator stipends and full administrator salaries are not allowable uses of LIFT grant funds. The intent of the grant is to support HQIM implementation through instructional systems and coaching in a sustainable way, and administrator roles are considered core to ongoing district work.

For the 2026-27 grant year only, partial salaries for district or campus administrators may be allowable if the role is clearly focused on LIFT implementation work and does not exceed 50% of the administrator’s salary. This flexibility is limited to 2026-27 and is not expected to be allowable for 2027-28 continuation funding.

We are seeing errors or discrepancies in eGrants. What should we do?

For technical issues in eGrants, contact laso@tea.texas.gov. If the issue relates to what was awarded or how it appears, also submit a ticket to the LIFT Help Desk.

Our award letter does not reflect what we believe we applied for. Who should we contact?

Questions about award details or discrepancies should be submitted as a ticket to the LIFT Help Desk so the team can review and provide clarification.

Where can we find ongoing updates and resources?

School systems should use the LIFT Resource Hub, newsletters, kickoff materials, and office hours. For access issues or questions, submit a ticket to the LIFT Help Desk.

What happens after we contract with our Approved Provider?

After contracting, school systems should begin working with their Approved Provider to plan for implementation. This includes sequencing early activities, establishing communication norms, and preparing for required onboarding and planning steps.

What local approvals do we need to complete after contracting?

School systems should plan to bring Bluebonnet Learning materials forward for local school board approval, as required by district policy, to support timely implementation. The first block of professional development should occur in Summer 2026 based on the needs of your school system. 

What additional supports should we expect during implementation?

TEA will offer monthly LIFT office hours held at the end of each month. Dates and registration information are available on the interactive calendar in the School System Hub.

Where will we find ongoing updates and reminders?

Key updates, reminders, and upcoming milestones will be shared through the LIFT monthly newsletter (subscribe here) and posted in the School System Hub.