AB 1045 negatively impacts the ability of school districts to pass local funding measures such as bonds or parcel tax measures. Last year, the education coalition, including ACSA, SSDA, CSBA and the League of California Community College’s was successful in defeating the substantially similar Senate Bill 623 (Ashburn).  We encourage you to submit a letter in opposition to AB 1045 because it eliminates options for Local Education Agencies. Your letters of opposition to SB 623 made an impact last year. A similar effort is needed to defeat AB 1045.

AB 1045 would unfairly restrict school districts from using multi-disciplinary firms like Caldwell Flores Winters, Inc. to assist in providing financial advisory services as well as election services to independent campaign committees in support of bond measures or parcel taxes.  We are writing to ask you to join the Small School Districts’ Association (SSDA), the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) and other school districts in opposition to AB 1045.

With California’s current budget crisis, we strongly believe that school districts need to have more choices and fewer restrictions.  In addition, current laws already prohibit public funds from being used for campaign purposes.

Below, please find links to a sample letter of opposition to AB 1045 as well as a fact sheet.  Please review the documents and consider submitting a letter of opposition to this bill.  Letters should be addressed to Senator Lois Wolk, Chair of the Governance and Finance Committee. In addition, the current Senate Governance and Finance Member Roster is included. If you decide to voice your opposition to AB 1045, please make sure to send CFW a PDF copy of your letter and we will make sure to copy ACSA and SSDA.

Should you have any questions, please contact me at (510) 596-8180 or aguillen@cfwinc.com.

AB1045 Fact Sheet • Governance & Finance Committee Members • AB1045 Opposition Letter

Participants traveled the solar system, interacted with 3-D renderings of chemical elements, and attended a virtual lecture in the United Kingdom without leaving their seats. Using applications developed for handheld devices, participants were engaged in a rich learning environment that utilized text, graphics, movies and recordings. The demonstration illustrated the ubiquitous nature of information in the 21^st century and the abundance of instructional resources now available for use by educators and students.

The briefing addressed the changing role of schools in the information age. Participants communicated the need to make a philosophical shift in order to transform schools into catalysts for learning as opposed to repositories of information. Technology was presented as a way to cultivate this transition by providing students open access to information and digital resources on a 24x7x360° basis.

The Executive Technology Briefing is a component of CFW’s Technology Initiative which invites districts and technology leaders to discuss ways in which technology can be employed to realize desired educational objectives such as increased levels of engagement, achievement and subject mastery in K-12 education. To learn more about CFW’s Technology Initiative, or ways in which your district could participate, please contact Jeremy Cogan at (510) 596-8180.

• Byron Union School District
• Lindsay Unified School District
• Palmdale Elementary School District
• Rialto Unified School District
• Saint Helena Unified School District
• Solvang School District
• Sonoma Valley Unified School District

State legislation requires that the 2010 QSCB allocations must be sold by July 14, 2011. If an allocation is not sold within that timeframe, CDE has stated that the allocation will be redistributed to the next applicant on the waiting list. A district’s position on the waiting list has been established by their percentage of free and reduced lunches. The waiting list can be found at www.cfwinc.com/news.html. CDE has indicated that it will continue to allocate QSCB authorizations to the waiting list until the pool is depleted.

Nearly $215 million in authorizations – or 30% – of the total 2009 QSCB allocation were unsuccessful in reaching the market. Issuers found the sale of QSCB bonds complicated without the proper guidance through the process. Once directed to proceed by our clients, CFW facilitated the sale of 100% of their 2009 authorizations.

To date, CFW has assisted districts in receiving over $260 million in Federally subsidized low interest rate bonds. Federal and State programs similar to the QSCB lower the cost of borrowing to address facility needs as well as the burden on the local tax base. CFW’s planning process and finance professionals integrate these programs with traditional facility financing options, such as General Obligation bonds, to improve academic achievement, enhance and maintain General Fund sustainability, and improve the appearance and functionality of school sites.

To view the full list of 2010 QSCB allocations, visit our website at www.cfwinc.com/news.html. Please call us at (510) 596-8170 if you have any questions or need assistance.

Governor Jerry Brown’s proposed State Budget preserves the current K-12 spending levels while slashing $1.4 billion from higher education. Citing that K-12 budgets have suffered the brunt of spending cuts in the past, the Governor elected to maintain a contribution of $49.7 billion to California’s K-12 schools for 2011-12. However, the State’s ability to maintain K-12 funding may ultimately be decided by a special election in June in which the Governor would be asking for a 5-year extension on the current increases in sales tax, income tax, and vehicle licensing fees otherwise set to expire this year. A failure to pass these extensions would result in approximately $2 billion in cuts to public schools during the 2011-12 fiscal year.

Although many districts are relieved to hear that 2011-12 budget does not immediately cut K-12 spending, there are still concerns in regards to the reconciliation of past cuts and their effect on educational programs. Districts have demonstrated a tremendous wherewithal during the economic downturn, but continue to seek sustainability in the General Fund while maintaining essential services. Many of our districts have been able to increase sustainability through a General Obligation (G.O.) bond program that provides relief directly to the General Fund.

The November 2010 election demonstrated that voters are still supportive of Prop 39 G.O. bond programs and their safeguards. Voters in California approved 92% of G.O. bond programs managed by CFW, while 72% of G.O. bond programs passed overall. This is in stark contrast to the 16 parcel taxes that were rejected out of the 18 placed on the November ballot. If the State Legislature calls a June special election to approve the Governor’s tax plan, there would be an opportunity for districts to address General Fund sustainability and facility needs immediately through a 55% voter approval Prop 39 G.O. bond program. A G.O. bond program could address deferred maintenance, modernization, new construction, technology needs as well as provide the local match to access State Aid funds. The June and November 2012 elections are also the next scheduled opportunity to place a Prop 39 measure on the ballot. Having won 30% of all G.O. bonds approved Statewide in 2010 CFW remains confident that, if structured correctly, G.O. bonds will continue to pass through the remainder of 2011 and 2012. Please give us a call if you need any questions or assistance at (510) 596-8180.

• Traditional printed textbooks can be replaced with interactive digital books – and placed in the hand of every single student – for as little as $150-$300 each
• Classrooms can utilize eBeam projector technology to engage students with vivid images, video and audio, in lieu of older, more expensive smartboards
• Districts can cut the tremendous costs of classroom connectivity by jumping ahead to much more affordable and flexible wireless technologies
• Going digital can open access to a wider range of state-approved electronic textbooks, customized to every student’s learning needs, versus being limited to only one textbook choice per subject

As presented by Dr. Rick Miller, Superintendent of Riverside Unified School District (ADA: 42,000) and a noted leader on these technologies, the choice of a particular device is not important as long as the impact on learning is transformative and the implementation strategy is well coordinated.  “Rather than attempting to ‘push’ new technology to those who might resist it, our success comes from offering new digital resources to those ready and willing to take the lead – the result has been to ‘pull’ in teachers and principals as pioneers of this next wave in technology, attracting further interest and motivation from others in the process,” Dr. Miller explained.  Dr. Miller has implemented the digital textbook, eBeam and platform agnostic tools to over 6,000 students to date, with many more signing up monthly.

The wide ranging discussion covered technology modernization strategies, cost estimates, acceptable use policies, training suggestions, and recommended resources.  CFW is continuing to organize similar briefings in other locations throughout the State that may be interested.  To find out how your district can be a part, please contact Jeremy Cogan at (510) 596-8170.

The California Department of Education (CDE) has delayed the timeline for awarding the 2010 Qualified School Construction Bond (QSCB) allocation provided for by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. CDE stated that notification of QSCB allocations should occur between the end of December and early January. As many of our clients are aware, the State of California was awarded $720,058,000 in authorization in addition to which $214,753,568 of unused 2009 allocations were added for redistribution.

To determine the allocation awards, CDE is utilizing the lottery system prescribed by the State legislation. During this process, you may have received a call from CDE staff to verify application information in advance of the lottery. This lottery process involves three criteria for priority of allocation in the following order of importance:

1. Postmark date of application
2. DSA approved projects
3. Percentage of free & reduced lunch

State legislation requires that any QSCB allocation be issued within six months of notification. If an allocation is not issued within that timeframe, CDE has stated that the allocation will be redistributed to the next applicant on the waiting list, which will also be established by the initial lottery. CFW will continue to monitor the status of its clients’ applications and assist your district in determining the best process for the implementation of QSCB authorization and any other financing programs available. If you have any questions, please contact Abel Guillen at (510) 596-8170.

From the entire CFW team, Happy Holidays and enjoy the show!

]]> http://www.cfwinc.com/2010/12/2010-holiday-highlights-video/feed/ 0 http://www.cfwinc.com/2010/11/cfw-participates-in-22-of-all-california-school-bond-measures-approved-on-tuesday/ http://www.cfwinc.com/2010/11/cfw-participates-in-22-of-all-california-school-bond-measures-approved-on-tuesday/#comments Thu, 04 Nov 2010 01:22:56 +0000 cfwinc http://www.cfwinc.com/new/?p=420 Election Results Demonstrate CFW’s Winning Approach in Tough Economic Times

EMERYVILLE, CA – On November 2, 2010, forty-three school bonds were approved in counties up and down the state, with CFW providing its proven campaign leadership to over 20% of the winning Districts.  From the Mexican to the Oregon border, Los Angeles to San Bernardino, wine counties of Sonoma and Napa to Contra Costa and Alameda, CFW’s election victories included:

Our campaigns focused on improving academic achievement, reducing annual operating costs, and increasing the functionality of existing school facilities.  Our clients’ bond programs ranged from tax increase measures to tax rate extensions.  In total, approximately $600 million in bond authorizations were approved.  In at least two cases, school districts were approving their fourth bond election in 12 years.  Perhaps the most challenging was the approval of an $87 million charter high school bond measure for the residents of the Wiseburn Elementary School District.

Following yesterday’s success, CFW now looks forward to the next step of raising the necessary funds to implement the construction of the proposed improvements.  Many of these clients fully utilized the full range of CFW integrated services including facilities planning, campaign and election services, State aid procurement, program administration, and financial advisory services.

To date, the firm has participated in the modernization and construction of an estimated 1,000 schools statewide over its twenty-four year history.  Should your District or neighbors have a facilities and financing need, CFW is available to assist in achieving successful results.  For more information about our services, please contact Ernesto Flores or Abel Guillen at (510) 596-8180

Sacramento – School districts have added incentives to provide solar energy and reduce their electricity bills, as Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 920 at the end of the recent legislative session.

AB 920, authored by Assembly member Jared Huffman (D-Marin) requires utility companies to purchase surplus solar electricity generated on an annual basis. Previously, under the state’s net metering law, utility companies were allowed to receive surplus solar electricity from their customers for free. AB 920 requires the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to set a rate at which utility companies shall compensate solar customers whenever a solar system generates more electricity than a school, home, or business uses in a given year.

A similar bill was vetoed by  the Governor last session.  However, a concerted effort that included letters from school districts across California provided the groundswell of support to secured the Governor’s signature.  Caldwell Flores Winters, Inc. congratulates all who contributed to the effort.

AB 920 continues a trend of legislation that improves the economics for school districts to provide solar energy. Caldwell Flores Winters, Inc. is the leader in structuring financings for school districts to own their own systems, whether through General Obligation Bonds, or Federal Stimulus package funding.  If your district would be interested in learning more about AB 920 or financing solar improvements, please call Abel Guillen at (510)596-8180.

EMERYVILLE, CA – On June 8, 2010, school districts from the North Coast to the Eastern Sierras earned the needed voter support to pass bond measures and improve their schools.   CFW welcomes Anderson Valley Unified School District (Mendocino County), Big Pine Unified School District (Inyo County), Blue Lake Union School District (Humboldt County), Hope School District (Santa Barbara County), Mark West School District (Sonoma County), and Willits Unified School District (Mendocino County) to our family of successful clients and congratulates them for their victories.

While the projects these bond programs will fund are diverse, they share certain similarities.  All measures will fund specific facilities improvements, including replacing relocatable buildings with permanent classrooms, completing general renovations and repairs, and constructing new facilities, such as multi-purpose rooms and vocational education classrooms.  In addition, all of the bonds will also fund improvements – including deferred maintenance contributions, computers and technology, and solar installation – that will mitigate the impact of State budget cuts to the general fund.  This is the third major election cycle that we have worked with our clients to create and pass Prop. 39 bond programs that not only meet facilities needs, but also provide annual operating savings to our clients.

Because of the general economic condition of the nation, the elections promised to be a challenge.  However, all of the bond programs were creatively designed to make financial sense for each District as well as earn the required voter support.

“I would first like to congratulate all of our successful clients throughout the State – their efforts made all of the difference,” said Ernesto Flores, President.  “Each client maintained a focused plan to finance the proposed improvements and exhibited incredible leadership throughout the process.  I look forward to helping each of our clients complete their school facility programs.”

Caldwell Flores Winters offers a wide range of financial advisory, campaign and planning, and program administration services.  Should your District have a facilities and financing need, we can assist your District in achieving successful results.  For more information about our services, please contact Greg Kato at (510) 596-8180.