Blueprint

Expanding educational opportunities for students in under-resourced communities

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PCSD closes NMTC loan for Tejano Center

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PCSD is thrilled to announce that we have closed New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) financing for the Tejano Center for Community Concerns to purchase and renovate a site for the Raul Yzaguirre Schools for Success (RYSS) STEM Academy in Pasadena, Texas. RYSS already operates its early education program on a portion of the almost 12 acre site with full classes for pre-kindergarten through 2nd grades and 5th grades to be added for the Fall of 2024. Eventually, the campus will encompass PreK-8th grade with classrooms to accommodate approximately 760 students and other community services.

PCSD also provided some of its $20M credit enhancement award from the Department of Education toward the project. According to PCSD’s Vice President of Project Finance, Tina Lin, “this worthy project was the result of many valued partners like Raza Development Fund, Chase Community Equity, Sunflower Bank and Equitable Facilities Fund coming together to support Tejano Center’s long-serving and important community mission.”

 

 

Exploring Educational Excellence: A Tour of CWC LA Charter Schools

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PCSD had an exciting opportunity to tour one of our charter school partners in Los Angeles alongside many of our CDFI lending partners. Our itinerary included stops at three campuses of Citizens of the World Los Angeles (CWC LA): CWC West Valley, CWC Mar Vista, and CWC Silver Lake Middle School.

The tour was an immersive experience delving into the heart of the CWC LA model. Each visit provided us with a comprehensive understanding of the educational ecosystem found within these campuses. From state-of-the-art facilities to innovative teaching methodologies, we witnessed firsthand the dedication to excellence that defines the CWC approach.

Our time at each school was enriched by engaging presentations and enlightening conversations with school principals and students alike. We had the privilege of hearing directly from the individuals who shape and benefit from the educational environment fostered by CWC LA.

However, it was the moments spent listening to the students articulate their personal experiences with CWC that truly resonated with us. Their impassioned testimonials painted a vivid picture of the profound impact that CWC has had on their lives. From fostering a sense of belonging to igniting a passion for learning, it was evident that CWC represents far more than just an educational institution—it’s a community where students thrive and dreams take flight.

As advocates for educational equity and opportunity, our partnership with CWC LA reaffirms our commitment to dismantling systemic barriers and empowering students in under-resourced communities. The insights gained from this tour will undoubtedly inform our ongoing efforts to support and uplift the next generation of leaders.

Our tour of CWC LA charter schools was not just a journey through hallways and classrooms; it was a profound exploration of educational excellence and the transformative power of inclusive education. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to CWC LA for opening their doors to us and their lending partners and for the invaluable work they do every day to inspire and empower students. Together, we will continue to strive towards a future where every child has access to quality education and the opportunity to reach their full potential.

CWC West Valley
CWC West Valley
CWC West Valley
CWC Mar Vista
CWC Mar Vista
CWC Silver Lake Middle School

Kahlmus Eatman Joins Pahara Fellow Cohort

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We’re thrilled to announce that our COO, Kahlmus Eatman, has been accepted into the prestigious Pahara Institute Fellowship!

As a Pahara Fellow, Kahlmus joins a distinguished cohort of leaders committed to advancing educational equity and enhancing public education. The Pahara Fellowship is a one-year, cohort-based program that identifies exceptional leaders in the educational excellence and equity movement, facilitates their dynamic growth, and strengthens their collective efforts to dramatically improve public education, especially those serving low-income children and communities. The Fellowship provides an invaluable opportunity for educational leaders to collaborate, learn from each other, and address the challenges facing public education, all with the aim of creating better outcomes for students and families.

Learn more about the Pahara Fellowship and the cohort.

PCSD presents at CCSA Conference 2024

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PCSD is participating in two sessions at the CCSA Conference in Long Beach.

EDUCATION SESSIONS

Facilities: Finding the Right Place, and Building the Right Space
March 19, 2024 | 11:15 am – 12:30 pm

Long Beach Convention Center, Room 202A

This lively, interactive session will prepare school leaders to effectively navigate the requirements encountered on the road to finding, securing and developing school facilities. Zoning, permitting, and occupancy requirements, environmental regulations, and design choices and constraints impact the development process. Learn about existing regulations, recent developments, and statewide trends as you build your facilities strategy. We will consider stick-built vs. modular, cost-saving design features, pandemic considerations when selecting a site, PLAs, CUPs, and more. This panel is ideal for those looking for next-level content.

Presenters:

  • Mary Grace Houlihan, Project Director, Northern California, Pacific Charter School Development (Moderator)
  • John Lemmo, Partner/Attorney, Young, Minney & Corr, LLP
  • Patrick Ontiveros, General Counsel & Director of Facilities, Magnolia Public Schools
  • Richard Berliner, Principal, Berliner Architects

District/Charter Leases – Can’t We All Just Get Along?
March 19, 2024 | 3:25 pm – 4:40 pm

Long Beach Convention Center, Room 202B

Understand what to consider when negotiating a long-term ground lease with your local school district. How do I bring the school district to the table and get the best terms? What do I need to include in the lease to build what I need, finance the project, and meet all legal requirements? What should I avoid? Hear from veterans about KIPP, Envision, and Ed for Change projects among others. Join us for a lively discussion and find out!

Presenters:

  • Jennifer Afdahl Rice, Executive Director, Northern California, Pacific Charter School Development
  • Adam Kaye, Director Real Estate, KIPP Public Schools Northern California
  • Monique Daviss, Executive Director, El Sol Science and Arts Academy
  • Sele Nadel-Hayes, Chief Operating Officer, Envision Schools

PCSD Secures $13.5M in Grants for Texas Expansion

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We are thrilled to announce a major milestone for PCSD as we have secured four grants totaling a substantial $13.5 million from the George W. Brackenridge Foundation, Charter School Growth Fund, The City Fund, and Ewing Halsell Foundation. These funds are earmarked to drive our expansion efforts in the vibrant educational landscape of Texas, specifically targeting charter schools in San Antonio and Houston.

The infusion of $13.5 million will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission to dismantle systemic inequality in education by expanding opportunities for students in under-resourced communities. We are dedicated to creating innovative and sustainable facility solutions that meet the unique needs of charter schools, fostering long-term educational impact.

Our commitment to fostering educational choice and addressing racial and educational inequity is reflected in this expansion initiative. By strategically focusing on Houston and San Antonio, we aim to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students in these diverse communities.

We invite our community, partners, and supporters to share in the excitement of this significant achievement. The grants secured not only signify financial support but also a vote of confidence in our mission to create a positive and lasting impact on education in Texas.

Stay tuned for further updates as we embark on this exciting journey to expand educational opportunities and dismantle barriers to success in Houston and San Antonio.

Together, we continue to build a brighter future for students in under-resourced communities.

Palace Theater Makeover: BayTech Charter School’s Exciting Transformation Project

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Demolition has officially kicked off at the future home of Bay Area Technology School (BayTech) in the vibrant Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland!

BayTech, a public charter school dedicated to serving grades 6-12, is gearing up for a monumental leap forward as it embarks on the journey to establish its permanent campus.

With roots tracing back to 2004, BayTech has been on a mission to provide quality education to the Oakland community. Currently serving 339 students, the school has faced the challenges of multiple locations over the years. But now, the tide is turning as BayTech takes a major step towards stability and growth.

The project site, once home to the historic Palace Theater, boasts a rich history dating back to the 1920s. From vaudeville acts to movie screenings and even serving as a church space, the Palace Theater has seen it all. Now, it’s undergoing a remarkable transformation into a state-of-the-art educational facility!

To learn more about the purchase of this historic building, check out this article from The Mercury News (March 15, 2023): Historic Oakland theater and church will become tech charter school