Month: December 2017

California Prop 39 Deadline for Charter Schools
California’s Prop 39 zero-cost energy upgrades can yield charter schools up to 40% reduction in ongoing utility costs. The State of California has generously allocated $55k-$500k+ to every California charter school for energy upgrades.
So far, only 40% of schools have taken advantage of the program. We think the reason for low participation is either:

  • Schools think this is the previous Prop 39 – which had nothing to do with energy upgrades, or
  • Schools believed that if they didn’t own the building, they could not participate in the program

Not only can any charter school participate; but – in some cases – you can bill the program for upgrades that have been implemented in the past.
We believe in the program so much that our affiliated real estate arm is supporting upgrades on 100% of our properties in California.
The program is simple and we can help
All that is required is to 1) invite a qualified energy consultant (we can help you get in touch) into your school for an energy audit; and 2) provide them with your last 12 months of utility bills, and that’s it.
The audit you’ll get back will include:

  • Projected costs (which you can pay for with your allocation)
  • Projected savings on your utility bill every month
  • A non-intrusive implementation plan so your students and teachers are not interrupted

This is a great program, but your allocation will evaporate on February 26th 2018 if you have not filed the paperwork (the energy consultant will do this for you). You would have 2+ years to actually conduct the upgrade.
We can help you look up your allocation, provide you with energy auditor contacts, answer your questions and provide contacts at the California Dept. of Ed and Energy Commission.
Thanks. Let’s talk. And soon.

“Laissez les bons temps rouler” means “let the good times roll” in Cajun French, and it is quite appropriate this month in particular.
Why you may ask?
First, it is the 10-year anniversary of the Louisiana Charter School Conference! I am looking forward to attending several sessions this year on charter school financial practices, becoming a better partner with your school district, and a session on the roles Louisiana charter schools are playing in the national debate over school choice. It looks as if there are going to be a couple of great keynote speeches, too!
Second, Charter School Capital is one of just over two dozen exhibitors this year, meaning that you will likely have time to stop by our booth to say hello and grab a goodie item or two.
Third, it also happens to be Charter School Capital’s 10th anniversary financing and funding charter schools across the nation; and if you would like to discuss how we might be able to assist your charter school in Louisiana, we will have a team ready to talk to you. In fact, you can book some time on my calendar while we’re there, by emailing me at kburgess@charterschoolcapital.com. 
With all of the great sessions and networking events going on, the real challenge of this year’s conference will be fitting in a few minutes to grab a beignet!

In celebration of Charter School Capital’s 10th year of supporting charter schools across the country, we wanted to give recognition and thanks to the teachers who inspire us to do, and be, our best. We asked our community of charter leaders, students, teachers and staff to tell us about the teacher that had the most impact on their lives. The teacher that inspired them and perhaps even changed the trajectory of their lives.
Our review board had the challenging job of reading through all of the wonderful, moving stories and selecting the 10 most inspirational stories. Their authors have been awarded the honor of selecting the 10 charter schools to receive our 10 $1,000 school grants.
For all who submitted Stories of Inspiration: we sincerely thank you. We hope the opportunity to reflect, express gratitude, and tell your stories of inspirational teachers had as much joyful impact on you as reading them did for us.
Without further adieu, we are proud to announce the top 10 stories of our 2017 Stories of Inspiration program and their donation recipients: …. find the selected stories here!