This newsletter contains the latest info on Prop 39 - Clean Energy Jobs Act and the SAB meeting from November 25.  Thanks to all those Districts that have sent us their CBEDS/Calpads data.  We have been able to process most of our eligibility updates and demographics reports as of the writing of this newsletter.

We are eagerly looking forward to the new year and the updates that will be approved for the State funding grants and the Level 1 developer fee amounts.  A small increase is anticipated this year due to inflation.  If you haven't already signed up, its not too late to start the process of updating your Level 1 fees for January. 

Prop 39-Clean Energy Jobs Act

The revised guidelines have been released and are scheduled for approval on Dec 19th.  There should be another opportunity to request planning grants in January if you haven't already done so.

The newest updates resolve many issues that were brought up during the initial workshops on the Prop 39 guidelines.  One item to be aware of is that projects must not be installed prior to the approval of the final guidelines in order to be eligible for Prop 39 funds.

SchoolWorks will start assisting Districts with the application process once the guidelines are finalized.  The timing is not ideal since the regulations are being approved right before the Christmas break.  If anyone is planning to do a project during the break, we need to get to work on the application immediately.

Otherwise, there is no rush as this is not a competitive program.  However, the sooner you can get a plan together to maximize your funding and savings opportunities, the sooner you can reduce your energy bills.  There is also an anticipated savings in maintenance needs as new equipment is installed.

Check our website or contact our office if you have any specific questions or issues on Prop 39 projects and funding.  

Priority Funding Round Deadline- Dec 12th 

The letters to request participation in the Spring priority funding round will need to be sent in to OPSC by Dec 12th.  If you have any projects on the unfunded list, be sure to get your letter turned in.

SAB Meeting

The SAB held a meeting on November 25th to approve projects and discuss funding issues.  There was also a Program Review Meeting immediately after the SAB meeting.  This was the last SAB meeting of 2013.  The next SAB meeting will be on January 22nd.

At this meeting, the main discussion item was to create a final funding round to utilize the remaining available Charter Facility funds.  That program would run over the next 12 months with project approvals anticipated next December.

In terms of the financial status of the State Building Program, there are now $894.6 million in projects on the unfunded list that are in line for funding once the cash becomes available from the treasurers office.  In addition there are also projects in line that currently exceed bond authority.  These projects total $334 million and may need to wait for a future State bond unless there are project savings or some of the existing projects are cancelled and rescinded.

CBEDS/ Calpads Update

Be sure to send us your latest enrollment data if you haven't already.  We will review your opportunity to get new construction funds based on the various methodologies for enrollment projections to maximize your new construction funding.  We never know what you may qualify for until we run the calculations. 

State Bond in 2014

In terms of the bond outlook for 2014, we anticipate the SAB sub committee should be wrapping up its meetings by February.  This would mean we could have a bond bill in March or April.  We will keep you updated on any new information but so far things are still on track for a bond in 2014.  It will likely be a smaller bond than we have had in the past, but there are still many needs to be addressed in California's schools.  Some of the key issues on the table include requiring all Districts to resubmit for a new baseline for both new construction and modernization eligibility.  This would create additional paperwork and some potential delays in the release of funds.  Additionally, there is talk of not allowing new construction grants to be used for portable buildings.  This would cause some additional challenges for certain types of  projects.  One of the new items may provide new construction funding to replace portables eligible for modernization with permanent buildings.  Finally, there is talk of increasing the debt level to qualify for financial hardship to as high as 100%.  As these issues come forward to the State Allocation Board, we will let you know which items are included in any bond bills.

Upcoming Conferences 

SchoolWorks will be attending the CSBA conference in San Diego on Dec 5th and 6th.  We will also be at the Superintendents Symposium on January 29-31.  Please stop by for a visit if you are attending those conferences. 

I hope everyone has a 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Ken Reynolds

President

SchoolWorks, Inc

www.SchoolWorksGIS.com 

6815 Fair Oaks Blvd. #3 Carmichael, CA 95608  Ph: 916.733.0402 Fx: 916.733.0404