Palmdale will use $25 million to upgrade schools
Federal construction bond program
The Palmdale School District received an allocation of $25 million from federal stimulus funds through the Qualified School Construction Bond (QSCB) program. The funds were received on Jan. 14. Of the 133 districts that applied, only 61 received an allocation. In addition, less than 20 of the 133 applicants received the maximum allocation of $25 million.
The QSCB funds can be used to finance the construction, rehabilitation, or repair of a public school facility. District staff was proactive in seeking this allocation, which will reduce the interest cost on the bonds substantially, due to direct subsidy payments made by the federal government to buyers of the bonds. This maximizes the benefit to the district while minimizing the cost to taxpayers.
“We’re very excited to receive an allocation of federal stimulus funds under the QSCB program,” said Cathy Shepard, chief business official. “This allocation will allow the Palmdale School District to better serve our students and the greater Palmdale community. We look forward to using this allocation as soon as possible to maximize the impact these funds will have on our schools.”
Palmdale’s South Antelope Valley Emergency Services (SAVES) food and shelter program is celebrating the city’s 50th anniversary by launching its “50,000 Pounds @ 50” campaign.
“We’re partnering with organizations and residents in our community to help us raise 50,000 pounds of food this year to help us assist families who need our services,” said SAVES Coordinator Patricia Morales.
The Palmdale Aerospace Academy is currently receiving student applications for the 2012-13 school year. Parents and guardians of students currently enrolled in grades 6, 7 and 8 are encouraged to apply.
The Palmdale Aerospace Academy (TPAA), created via a partnership between the city of Palmdale, the AERO Institute, and the Palmdale School District will host its first community forum today.
The event, slated to begin at 5:30 p.m. at The AERO Institute, will be the first of many to enable parents, guardians and interested community members to hear about and contribute to the academy.
School districts across the state are sending so-called “March 15” letters to their certificated employees (i.e. teachers, nurses) informing them that the state budget crisis may necessitate layoffs.
The letters are required by the state education code to be sent on or before that date. The code also mandates that districts send out similar letters to classified employees (clerks, janitors etc.) 45 days prior to any expected layoff action, unless something else has been agreed upon in collective bargaining.
