Latest News and Comment from Education

Monday, April 7, 2014

UPDATE: Funds for Energy Efficiency Available - Year 2014 (CA Dept of Education)

Funds for Energy Efficiency Available - Year 2014 (CA Dept of Education):



State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Announces Next Round of Energy Efficiency Funding Applications




SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today announced that local educational agencies (LEAs) that have Proposition 39 planning funds available–about $33 million—for energy efficiency projects can now submit their requests in the third round of applications.

"These funds help provide our districts with the resources they need to make sure our schools are both energy efficient and environmentally friendly," Torlakson said. "Not only does this give our students greater opportunities for future success, it helps strengthen the community through the creation of dependable jobs."

Approximately $145 million was distributed to LEAs during the first two rounds of funding to begin assessing needs and planning projects. This current phase will further assist LEAs striving to improve energy efficiency and create clean energy jobs.

The voter-approved Clean Energy Jobs Act (Proposition 39) generates revenue for LEAs to support energy efficiency and alternative energy projects, along with related improvements and repairs that contribute to reduced operating costs and improved health and safety conditions in public schools.

For additional details, visit the California Department of Education's Request for Applications, Proposition 39--California Energy Jobs Act Web page or the California Energy Commission's The California Clean Energy Jobs Act External link opens in new window or tab. Web page.
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Tom Torlakson — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5206, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100


State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Announces Funding for School Construction and Modernization Projects

SACRAMENTO—The State Allocation Board External link opens in new window or tab. (SAB) today disbursed more than $372 million to be used for 105 school construction and modernization projects across 43 school districts, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced.
"These additional resources can go a long way toward creating facilities that meet today's needs and, in the process, help our schools save money and put Californians to work," Torlakson said. "Our students deserve every opportunity to learn in schools that are designed for the 21st century."
Torlakson's Schools of the Future Initiative (PDF; 1MB) outlined his approach to "21st century learning," including the construction and modernization of school facilities, utilization of new technology, energy efficiency, and facilities for science and career technology education.
The SAB, of which Torlakson is a member, meets monthly to allocate state matching funds for the construction of new classrooms, the modernization of existing schools, and other programs to improve learning environments, and adopts policies and regulations regarding SAB programs. The funds allocated by the SAB are from voter-approved general obligation bonds that cannot be used for school operational expenses.
For the complete list of allocations, go to the State Allocation Board's online agenda External link opens in new window or tab. (PDF) click on the "Consent" tab, and see page 9.
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Tom Torlakson — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5206, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100