As the Advisory Commission on Charter Schools
is expanding their focus, please note that information
regarding their work, including notes from all prior meetings
can now be found at a new ACCS webpage

The Implementation of SB 740

Current Status: The CDE has released a cover letter, instructions and form for requesting a funding determination for the 2002/03 school year. The Advisory Commission is encouraging schools to submit the forms as early in the year as possible. The form must be completed and returned to the CDE no later than February 1, 2003. However, the form may be submitted at any time prior to next February, and the CDE strongly encourages schools to submit it as soon as possible to secure a funding determination. The State Board of Education will be making funding determinations beginning at its October 2002 meeting.

The permanent regulations to govern SB 740 funding determinations were adopted by the State Board of Education on June 27, 2002. The were adopted in the format as circulated in the 15-Day Notice Regulations.

15-Day Notice Regulations (PDF) - adopted by State Board on June 27, 2002

Emergency Regulations governing first year funding determinations.

Frequently Asked Questions (and their answers) about SB 740 from the California Department of Education.

Funding Determination Forms
Funding Determination Form Instructions
Funding Determination Form Cover Letter

Nonclassroom Update:

Please pay special attention to the definition of nonclassroom programs in the regulations.

SB 740 was signed by the Governor last September (chaptered version of the bill). The Governor included a signing message with his signature, asking that the funding cuts be limited to 5% for the first fiscal year (2001-2002) and that California Conservation Corps programs not be harmed. The emergency regulations adopted by the State Board of Education complied with the Governor's requests.

Facilities Update: *(9/5/02) This information will be updated as soon as we have new and verified information* Please check back often.

The Governor has proposed to cut the funding for the SB 740 rent reimbursement from $10 million for the first year to $5 million.

The California Department of Education is now working on the specifics of how to apply for the reimbursement. Check back to this site often for updates as the information is released.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS RE FACILITIES FUNDING:

Q: How do I tell if I am eligible for the $750/ada rent reimbursement for this year?
A: Your school is in the attendance area of some elementary school. If 70% or more of the kids attending that elementary school qualify for free or reduced fee lunch, you are eligible as long as you are not already in a public school building. About 1/3 of CA elementary school attendance areas qualify.

Q: When will the money arrive?
A: Probably in the spring of 2002. (Update as of 5/14/02 - The CDE is now saying that they won't be collecting information until summer of 2002 so this timing estimate is no longer accurate.)

Q: How long will this last?
A: Intended to last at least 3 years. Subject each year to being included in the budget.

Q: What is the exact amount per ada?
A: It is capped at 75% of your rent expense or $750, whichever is less.

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