facilities

Submitted by hcsao on Mon, 2006-08-28 10:42. CSAO Memo: 2006-07 Facilities Allocation Spending Guidelines and Accounting Requirements, August 28, 2006

In 2006-07 for the first time, start-up charter schools in Hawai'i will receive some facilities funding 

Adressed to the start-up charter schools, this memo from CSAO Executive Director Jim Shon and CFO Bob Roberts provides guidance on how the $686.12 per-pupil facilities should be accounted for and what types of expenses are considered appropriate for these moneys (i.e., related to facilities).

DOWNLOAD>> CSAO Memo: 2006-07 Facilities Allocation Spending Guidelines and Accounting Requirements, August 28, 2006

Submitted by hcsao on Mon, 2006-07-24 16:05. CSAO Memo: AG Opinion on 302A-1506

Dated August 4, 2005, this memo from the CSAO executive director to all charter schools documents that the Board of Education received a legal opinion from the state attorney general saying that charter schools are subject to HRS 302A-1506.

This section of the law states that acquiring public school facilities is subject to the comptroller's approval.

CSAO Memo: AG Opinion on 302A-1506, dated Aug. 4, 2005

Submitted by hcsao on Mon, 2006-07-24 15:57. The Charter School Facility Finance Landscape

This national study covers the private, nonprofit and public providers of funding and financing for charter school facilities.

Includes extensive descriptions of organizations in the following categories:

• Private nonprofit organizations
• Public-private partnerships
• Public initiatives

Maps out which types of funding and financing sources are available by state.

The Charter School Facility Finance Landscape
The Education Facilitites Financing Corporation of Local Initiatives Support Corporation, May 2005

Submitted by hcsao on Mon, 2006-07-24 15:04. Building a Foundation for Success: How Authorizers Can Help Schools with the Facilities Gap

This issues brief discusses the positive role authorizers can play in the relationship between charter schools and financial institutions that provide facilities funding.

The authors argue that the political and operational stability that quality authorizing brings to the charter school system has a positive impact on how financial institutions view the creditworthyness of charter schools.

Additionally, the authors suggest several proactive steps authorizers can take, including:

• Funding a loan pool
• Providing a loan guaranty
• Accessing public funding
• Providing vacant space to charters

Building a Foundation of Success: How Authorizers Can Help Schools with the Facilities Challenge
National Association of Charter School Authorizers, May 2004

Submitted by hcsao on Mon, 2006-07-24 14:54. Facilities Financing: New Models for Districts that are Creating Schools New

This report outlines a number of innovative ways charter schools have addressed the challenge of creaing affordable facilities.

The authors argue that new approaches to solving facilitites needs  are required, including:

• Tapping non-traditional sources of financing
• Saving costs by rethinking the use of brink and mortar
• Establishing real estate trusts and intermediaries

Facilities Financing: New Models for Districts that are Creating Schools New
education/evolving, Jan. 2004

Submitted by hcsao on Mon, 2006-07-24 14:41. The Finance Gap: Charter Schools and their Facilities

This white paper examines the experience of building and financing facilities for charter schools in 14 states and the District of Columbia.

Topics discussed included:

• Private sector involvement in solving facilities issues for charter schools
• Available funding and financing mechanisms
• The definition of a "finance-able" charter school

The Finance Gap: Charter Schools and their Facilitites
Institute for Educational and Social Policy, Jan. 2004)

Submitted by hcsao on Mon, 2006-07-24 14:28. Small Schools "Best Practices" for Sharing Facilities

A list of "tips" aimed at creating more successful shared facilities arrangements for small schools.

Topics covered include:

• Ensuring autonomy between schools/organizations
• Developing strong working relationships
• Defining a conflict resolution process up front
• Establishing a neutral facilities coordinator
• Negotiating a memorandum of understanding/agreement

Small Schools "Best Practices" for Sharing Facilities
Business and Professional People for the Public Interest, Undated

Submitted by hcsao on Mon, 2006-07-24 14:13. Primer: Charter School Facilities

This resource guide takes you step-by-step through the process for developing and executing a plan to build or renovate a school facility. Includes worksheets and model budgets.

Sections include:

• Needs assessment
• Site Selection
• Construction vs. renovation
• Financing your charter school facility
• Model budgets
• Sample application

Charter School Facilities: A resource Guide on Development and Financing
Charter Friends National Network, 2000