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Building on Success: PCSD Prepares Charter Schools and Their Districts for the CA Prop 2 School Facilities Program
Pacific Charter School Development (PCSD) has a proven track record of securing and leveraging state funding to create and improve educational facilities. Proposition 2 was passed by California voters in November 2024. This half grant, half low interest program has a set aside for up to $600 million in charter school facility funding. Our experience, particularly with past bond measures like Proposition 51, has positioned us as a leader in navigating the complexities of school facility funding for new construction or renovations. We’re now gearing up for the next opportunity: the Proposition 2 School Facilities Program.
In the past, PCSD spearheaded an unprecedented effort, bringing over $200 million in Proposition 51 funding to Bay Area district sites. These vital resources allowed us to complete nine Proposition 51 projects, working collaboratively with charter schools and their districts to positively impact the educational landscape for thousands of students. Our success wasn’t limited to the Bay Area. In Southern California, we proudly completed seven projects funded by Proposition 51, 1D, 55 or 47, demonstrating our ability to effectively manage and deliver projects across the state.
These past successes have provided us with invaluable experience and insights, preparing us for the current Proposition 2 funding round. We understand the intricacies of the application process, the importance of maximizing priority points, and the critical role of collaboration between schools, districts, and consultants.
With the application window soon opening, PCSD is actively engaging with school leaders as well as district staff and board directors. We’re committed to supporting schools through every step of the process. Our current efforts include:
- Program Education: We’re providing comprehensive information about the Proposition 2 program, ensuring schools understand eligibility requirements, funding opportunities, and the application timeline.
- Priority Point Maximization: Our team is working closely with schools to identify strategies for maximizing their application priority points, increasing their chances of securing funding. We understand the nuances of the scoring criteria and can offer tailored guidance to each applicant.
- Consultant Connections: We’re connecting schools with experienced application consultants who can provide expert assistance in navigating the complex application process. These consultants can help schools develop compelling applications and ensure all necessary documentation is in order.
- Building Plan Acquisition: We’re facilitating the process of gathering necessary building plans from respective districts, a crucial component of the application package. Our established relationships with district personnel streamline this often time-consuming process.
PCSD is dedicated to empowering schools to access the resources they need to create modern, safe, and inspiring learning environments. We believe that every student deserves access to high-quality facilities, and we’re committed to making that vision a reality through the Proposition 2 program. Stay tuned for further updates as we continue our work in supporting California’s schools.
Contact Jennifer Afdahl Rice for more information about this program and how to apply.
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Stand with LA: Join Us in Helping Schools Recover
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PCSD Launches in Colorado
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Understanding Public Finance
Who did you meet with today?
Today we met with Rob Nickell and Jessica Ward.
Where do they work? What does the company do?
Rob Nickell and Jessica Ward work at HJ Sims, a private, family-owned company founded in 1935. HJ Sims works with schools and non-profit organizations. It finds investors for a school’s campus, negotiates a deal between both parties, raises funds for the project, and, in the end, the school has its new school building.
What did you learn today? What were some highlights?
We learned that there are many different approaches to becoming an investment banker today. The greatest highlight was understanding that a school is like a business; it has to be run like a business for everyone in the school to be happy and for all students to have equal opportunities.
What insights did you gain into the field of real estate development?
I learned the importance of investment bankers in school projects or any other business. Bankers help the schools tell their stories to find the best investors and help schools focus on the long-term goals they have set.
What did you find the most interesting about the field in the field after today?
The most intriguing thing I found out about investment bankers is that the process of becoming an investment banker now is such a great difference than what it was about 20 years ago. Now more licenses are required to be able to be able to do certain things whereas before those licenses were not needed.
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PCSD Expands to Colorado: Offering Facilities Solutions to the Charter School Sector in Partnership with Colorado Schools Fund
Pacific Charter School Development (PCSD) is excited to announce our expansion into Colorado, marking a new chapter in our mission to create affordable, high-quality facilities for charter schools across the country. This launch is supported by generous funding from the Colorado Schools Fund and other local philanthropic partners, all critical in helping us bring comprehensive facilities solutions to the region.
In addition, we’re thrilled to announce that we have welcomed Joy Griffin, Executive Director, Colorado. As the regional leader, Joy will steer this growth, working with Colorado charter schools to develop site solutions, align project affordability, and support the entire development process. This role will also involve key collaborations with Colorado Schools Fund, strengthening statewide access to high-quality educational facilities and further embedding PCSD’s presence as a “one-stop shop” for charter school facility solutions.
Our collaboration with Colorado Schools Fund will create a unique impact on the charter sector in Colorado, as we leverage our shared resources to provide strategic advising, technical assistance, full development services, and access to capital to early-stage operators and expanding schools. Our goal is to simplify the facilities process, allowing school leaders to focus fully on student success.
As we engage with school leaders across the state, we are eager to share updates soon and look forward to seeing the positive impact of these collaborations on students and communities across the state. Together with our new Executive Director and key partners, we’re committed to reshaping educational spaces and empowering more students to thrive. Stay tuned!
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