May 30, 2008

Governor Schwarzenegger Announces $463 Million in Proposition 1D Funds Awarded to 29 California Charter Schools

Voter-Approved Prop 1D Funds Continue Investment in State's Children, Economy

Today at one of the nation’s leading charter schools, the Vaughn Next Century Learning Center, Governor Schwarzenegger announced the allocation of $463 million in Proposition 1D funds for new construction and modernization projects for 29 charter schools statewide. The Vaughn Next Century Learning Center will receive $6 million of the $463 million to build seven new classrooms for 189 students at the center’s high school, Vaughn International Studies Academy.

“This is exactly what the voters had in mind when they passed $10.4 billion for schools under Proposition 1D in my Strategic Growth Plan,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “As part of today’s announcement of more than $450 million, I am thrilled to award the Vaughn Next Century Learning Center more than $6 million that will provide seven additional classrooms and many new opportunities for its students. I know we can create more action by rebuilding our state and I will do everything I can to ensure that the California of the future reflects the brilliance we want for our children.”

Applications were given priority that sought to serve low-income students, relieve overcrowded school districts, proposed to rehabilitate existing district facilities and were submitted by non-profit charter schools. Additionally, the applicants were required to show that they could match the state funds with private funding for their projects, thus doubling the amount ready to spend immediately to stimulate the economy. For the complete list of schools receiving funding visit: www.dgs.ca.gov/pressroom.com.

“This funding is exactly what our kids need to continuing excelling at Vaughn,” said Vaughn Next Century Learning Center Principal Dr. Yvonne Chan. “I will now be able to move forward with the new classrooms my students need and make improvements to our campus so we can continue to make a difference in this community.”

The Governor has worked to allocate billions of dollars from the 2006 infrastructure bonds as quickly as possible to begin important projects, create jobs and stimulate California’s economy. Specifically, Governor Schwarzenegger has:

• Announced $382 million in Proposition 1B funds for transportation projects across the state.
• Announced the approval of $3.5 billion in Proposition 1B bond funding for transportation and goods movement projects across the state.
• Announced $394 million in Proposition 1B bond funding for 106 transit projects statewide.
• Announced $40 million for port security from Proposition 1B bond funding.
• Announced $73 million for affordable housing projects in Proposition 1C and Proposition 46 funds to help more than 1,600 California families rent or purchase affordable housing.
• Announced $211 million for expedited implementation in Proposition 1E funds to four critical levee improvement projects in Northern California.
• Announced $69.5 million in permanent low-interest loans from the Proposition 1C housing bonds to jumpstart 14 affordable multi-family projects up and down the state, helping more than 1,000 California families and individuals realize the dream of an affordable rental home.

In January, the Governor called an emergency meeting of his cabinet and instructed them to recommend ways to work with the legislature and speed the release of $29 billion in unallocated funds from the 2006 infrastructure bonds for the construction of roads, schools and levee repairs.