Education Community Opposes Proposed Regulations at OPSC Stakeholder Meeting

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Today the Office of Public School Construction (OPSC) hosted the first meeting to receive stakeholder input on a proposed regulation to cease accepting applications once bond authority has been exhausted. CASH wants to thank all of our members and coalition partners who attended the meeting and spoke against the proposed regulation.

Members of the CASH leadership team expressed strong opposition to the proposal. CASH Chair Don Ulrich (Clovis USD) explained that the proposed regulation would violate existing statute.  Education Code Section 17070.25 clearly states that the Department of General Services “shall” be prepared to receive and act upon applications. Mr. Ulrich also requested that OPSC provide a summary of the feedback received in the stakeholder sessions at least 10 days prior to the State Allocation Board (Board) meeting at which the item will be brought back for discussion. CASH Vice Chair Julie Arthur (Palm Springs USD) challenged assertions made in OPSC’s item from the June 27, 2018 agenda, including rebuttals to arguments about inequity, future program enhancements, outdated eligibility, and expired state agency approvals. CASH Board Member Alan Reising (Long Beach USD) raised concerns about process and lack of time for stakeholder engagement, and he indicated that the proposal violates the state’s obligation to help fund school facilities.

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Legislature Does Not Act to Resolve AB 195

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Today the Legislature held their last floor session before breaking for a one-month summer recess. This was the best opportunity for the Legislature to pass a bill to address the issues created by AB 195 (Obernolte) in time to protect all bonds on the November 2018 ballot. Unfortunately, neither the Senate nor Assembly took action today on a bill to give that protection. The Legislature is still exploring possible options for early August action that could help some of the November bonds.

Budget trailer bill SB 863 would provide a two-year suspension to AB 195’s provisions for local bonds, allowing time to pursue a permanent policy resolution through the regular legislative process next year. The Legislature was awaiting assurance from the Governor that he would sign SB 863 before putting the bill up for a vote. As of this morning, legislative leadership had not received that confirmation and therefore did not feel comfortable sending the bill to the Governor.

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July Facility Planners Update 2018

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The CASH Facility Planners Meeting Update for July 2018 is now available and includes information regarding:

  • State Allocation Board Defers Action on Proposal to Cease Accepting Applications
  • Governor Signs Budget – Bond Sale Amount and Full-Day Kindergarten Facilities Grant Program
  • Legislative Update
  • CASH Technical Trainings on Eligibility and Funding OPSC Forms
  • Upcoming Networking Mixers

Click here to view the update.

~ CASH Staff

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