SAB Allocation of $1.4 Billion for Schools (CA)

December 17, 2010

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell today announced that the State Allocation Board (SAB) disbursed more than $1.4 billion to more than 400 school districts, county offices of education, and charters for the construction and modernization of schools.

"These much-needed funds come at a critical time," O’Connell said. "School districts are under constant pressure due to the state budget crisis. I applaud the State Allocation Board for acting quickly to move along construction and modernization projects that will provide better learning environments for students and will stimulate the economy by creating more construction jobs."

Today’s action continues the successful and popular priority funding program that was created to fast-track school construction projects while at the same time stimulate the state’s economy. The priority funding program requires school districts to have the project under construction within 90 days versus the 18 months that is typically allowed.

O’Connell is a member of the SAB that determines policy for programs administered by the Office of Public School Construction. The activities include the School Facility Program, Charter School Facilities Program, Overcrowded Relief Grant Program, Critically Overcrowded School Facilities Program, School Facility Joint-Use Program, Career Technical Education Facilities Program, Emergency Repair Program, and the Deferred Maintenance Program.

The 10-member board meets monthly to determine the allocation of state resources, such as proceeds from general obligation bond issues and other designated state funds used for the new construction and modernization of local public school facilities. The board also acts on appeals, and adopts policies and regulations regarding SAB programs.