Blogpost
8.6 minute read
December 13, 2024
In California’s challenging funding landscape, Proposition 2: 2024 State School Bond offers a promising opportunity for school districts to secure vital resources for facilities improvement with $10 billion in state general obligation bonds for school facility repair, upgrade, and construction (new and modernization) of K-12 and Community College. Specifically, $8.5 billion is allocated for K-12 schools to support four types of projects: renovation of existing buildings, new construction, career technical education program facilities, and charter school facilities. Community colleges will receive $1.5 billion for projects ranging from facility renovations, capital outlay projects, and the acquisition of equipment. These funds will be distributed through matching grants, with higher state contributions for less affluent districts and those serving a larger population of English learners and foster youth. Additionally, targeted funding is set aside for critical needs like lead removal from water, transitional kindergarten classrooms, and career technical education facilities. Up to 10% of new construction and 10% of modernization funds are reserved for small school districts of 2,501 pupils or less.
However, this funding comes with structured requirements aimed at encouraging long-term, strategic planning.
Effective October 31, 2024, districts must submit a comprehensive, five-year School Facilities Master Plan as a prerequisite for accessing state funds. Community colleges are also required to prepare a detailed project priorities plan.
At Harris & Associates, we are proud to stand at the forefront of helping California school districts create sustainable, future-ready learning environments. Our extensive experience in capital project management, combined with our commitment to serving communities, positions us to best support districts in leveraging funding opportunities like Proposition 2 effectively. As experts in infrastructure improvements, we align your educational and community goals with building requirements. Harris & Associates is uniquely equipped to guide districts through these structured requirements. Here’s a closer look at the critical elements districts need to include to qualify for this transformative funding.
1. Five-Year Master Plan Mandate
To qualify, districts must submit a five-year School Facilities Master Plan, a key component of Proposition 2’s funding strategy. This plan, which becomes mandatory in late 2024, serves as the foundation for demonstrating how a district’s infrastructure planning aligns with its educational goals and community needs. By requiring this level of detailed planning, the state ensures districts are prepared to address future demands with a proactive, strategic approach. The School Facilities Master Plan must include an inventory of existing facilities, site, properties, class capacity, etc., a capital planning budget, a deferred maintenance plan, and projections for enrollment growth.
2. Core Components of the Master Plan
As mentioned above, the master plan must include a thorough inventory of current facilities, enrollment projections, a deferred maintenance plan, and detailed capital budgeting:
Inventory of Existing Facilities
This section should document each school’s infrastructure specifics, including building age, last modernization, and current instructional use. Portable classrooms must also be assessed for functionality and safety. Key facilities—libraries, gyms, multipurpose rooms, and kitchens—should be evaluated to verify that they meet baseline operational standards and support educational objectives.
Enrollment and Growth Projections
Districts must provide a forecast of enrollment changes over the next five years, which will guide expansion, renovation, and resource allocation. This forward-looking assessment helps districts align facility needs with projected student population growth.
Deferred Maintenance Plan
A structured maintenance plan that outlines routine upkeep and necessary upgrades is essential. By aligning this plan with the district’s broader educational goals, districts demonstrate their commitment to providing safe, accessible, and effective learning environments over time.
Capital Planning and Budgeting
This section requires districts to estimate costs for modernization, new construction, and other key projects. Funding sources—such as local bonds, state contributions, or grants—must be clearly identified. Additionally, cost projections must be certified in alignment with the State School Facility Program (SFP), ensuring financial transparency and accountability.
3. Additional Documentation Requirements
Proposition 2 emphasizes transparency, accountability, and alignment with educational goals:
Community Engagement and Transparency
To maintain public accountability, districts must hold a public hearing on their facilities plan, followed by regular updates online detailing project costs, timelines, and progress. This ensures that stakeholders, including parents and community members, have insight into district spending and can provide feedback.
Alignment with Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP)
Districts must demonstrate how their facilities plan aligns with the goals of their Local Control Accountability Plan, particularly those that support equitable and safe learning environments. This alignment shows how physical infrastructure improvements are designed to support educational outcomes.
4. Compliance Flexibility and Support
Proposition 2 offers several pathways for districts to streamline compliance with these requirements:
Department of General Services Guidelines
To assist with compliance, the Department of General Services (DGS) will release standardized guidelines for developing and submitting master plans. This guidance will help districts align with the state’s expectations and simplify the process.
Self-Certification Option
Districts may self-certify their compliance with Proposition 2 requirements, accelerating the review process and allowing for quicker access to funds. This flexibility benefits districts that are well-prepared and organized in their planning approach.
Existing Plan Utilization
Districts with a current master plan may submit it as long as it meets Proposition 2 requirements, reducing the administrative burden for districts already engaged in comprehensive facilities planning.
Your Trusted Partner in Educational Excellence
Proposition 2 encourages a proactive, data-driven approach to school facilities planning, with an emphasis on aligning facility improvements with educational and community goals. By meeting these requirements, districts can secure crucial funding to support infrastructure projects that enhance learning environments and address future demands. Early preparation and thorough documentation will be essential for districts aiming to maximize their funding potential and invest in sustainable, long-term facilities improvements.
Harris & Associates has been instrumental in managing impactful state bonds across California, similar to Proposition 2, ensuring efficient use of resources while delivering state-of-the-art facilities. The work we’ve accomplished under previous state bond measures underscores our commitment to serving California’s educational communities. By leveraging our expertise, districts can confidently plan, optimize resources, and unlock Proposition 2 funding to enhance learning environments. Here are a few highlights from our former work:
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Back in 2016, Harris & Associates played a key role with the Prop 55 Bond Program, which focused on supporting the renewal of funding for California's public schools and community colleges through an extension of Proposition 30. Our team provided project management and oversight services to ensure the efficient allocation and utilization of the bond funds, working with various stakeholders, including school districts and governmental agencies, to streamline processes and deliver educational infrastructure projects in alignment with the objectives of the bond.
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Under Measure CC, Harris spearheaded upgrades for Culver City Unified School District’s building program, including district-wide interior and exterior LED lighting improvements, HVAC upgrades, new thermostats and building occupancy sensors allowing the district to save millions through innovative technology and system efficiencies. By crafting a Zero Net Energy (ZNE) Master Plan and innovative scheduling strategies, Harris optimized the $124 million program, securing additional funds and accelerating project completion. The program included modernization of the historic Robert Frost Auditorium for future sustainability.
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Harris & Associates also supported the Proposition Z bond program for San Diego Unified School District, including delivering a $115M transformation at Wilson Middle School. Highlights included seven new buildings, a state-of-the-art performing arts theater, and sustainable features like solar panels and hydration stations. Through meticulous planning and value engineering, our team delivered cutting-edge facilities, including a performing arts theater and sustainable infrastructure, while achieving $2.1M in savings. Since 2016, we have provided comprehensive management for San Diego Unified’s Proposition Z Bond Program, overseeing upgrades across over 200 facilities, including performing arts centers, new classrooms, and district-wide IT improvements, ensuring cost-effective solutions and long-term educational benefits.
By collaborating with our Harris & Associate experts, California school districts can secure essential funding while positioning themselves to meet the educational needs of their communities. Let Harris & Associates guide your district through this transformative era of school facilities planning. Together, we’ll build a roadmap across education infrastructure improvements—one project at a time. For more information on how Harris can assist you in unlocking the value of Proposition 2, please contact us.
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