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PCSD Expands to Colorado: Offering Facilities Solutions to the Charter School Sector in Partnership with Colorado Schools Fund

December 2, 2024 by PCSD

Pacific Charter School Development (PCSD) is excited to announce our expansion into Colorado, marking a new chapter in our mission to create affordable, high-quality facilities for charter schools across the country. This launch is supported by generous funding from the Colorado Schools Fund and other local philanthropic partners, all critical in helping us bring comprehensive facilities solutions to the region.

In addition, we’re thrilled to announce that we have welcomed Joy Griffin, Executive Director, Colorado. As the regional leader, Joy will steer this growth, working with Colorado charter schools to develop site solutions, align project affordability, and support the entire development process. This role will also involve key collaborations with Colorado Schools Fund, strengthening statewide access to high-quality educational facilities and further embedding PCSD’s presence as a “one-stop shop” for charter school facility solutions.

Our collaboration with Colorado Schools Fund will create a unique impact on the charter sector in Colorado, as we leverage our shared resources to provide strategic advising, technical assistance, full development services, and access to capital to early-stage operators and expanding schools. Our goal is to simplify the facilities process, allowing school leaders to focus fully on student success.

As we engage with school leaders across the state, we are eager to share updates soon and look forward to seeing the positive impact of these collaborations on students and communities across the state. Together with our new Executive Director and key partners, we’re committed to reshaping educational spaces and empowering more students to thrive. Stay tuned!

The Bridge Between Law and Real Estate

November 18, 2024 by PCSD

Who did you meet with today?

Today we had the opportunity to meet with Mera Baker Ramos and Sarah Kollman

Where do they work? What does the company do?

Mera Baker Ramos works for Pacific Charter School Development, a nonprofit organization that helps charter schools to secure affordable, high-quality facilities to address educational inequality.

Sarah Kollman works at Young Minney & Corr, LLP, which is a law firm that specializes in education law, along with lending their services to educational facilities, and nonprofit organizations.

What did you learn today? What were some highlights?

I learned that the practice of law is a little more strict than many other career paths but that the skills you put in are almost the same; the difference is that you need a test and that only some states in the U.S. allow for someone to take the Bar exam without attending law school. A highlight that I learned from this is that just like every other career path you should try to make connections with people in the same career path you desire, speak to counselors who can help you lean on resources that will direct you toward your chosen career path and lastly to listen and read more about your career path so you don’t start with a blind eye and you can be more knowledgeable about this desired career path

What insights did you gain into the field of real estate development?

I was given the opportunity to learn how practicing law falls into real estate due to the fact lawyers are involved in real estate transactions such as buying and selling property which means they also review and draft contracts.

What did you find the most interesting about the field after today?

Some things I found most interesting about this field are how even though practicing law and real estate can be stressful and strict, you can manage it be ensuring you take breaks, and break up projects into smaller tasks. Another thing I found interesting is how this plays a role in the real world. This field of work can impact the lives of others by using the expertise you learn in the field of law to help others achieve their desired outcome from their situation.

Mera talking about being a General Counsel at PCSD

Sarah talking about her role at YMC as a transactional attorney

Mission-Driven Leadership: How Ivan Zapata’s Military Background Fuels His Work at TCSD

November 8, 2024 by PCSD

About Military Service

1. Can you share a bit about your military background?
I served five years in the U.S. Marines as a sergeant (E-5) and was part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Joining the military was motivated by a few things—the GI Bill for college, the chance to stay on the right track, and the challenge of seeing how I’d measure up against the best.

2. What were some of the key lessons you took away from your time in the military?
First, I learned that, despite all our differences, we’re all human. We miss family, want to go home, and are willing to go to great lengths for the people we love. I also gained a sense of urgency—moving with speed and intensity—and the mantra of “adapt and overcome” became essential.

3. Do you have a particular moment or experience from your service that really stands out for you?
One thing that stands out is the ability to spot a group of Marines in a crowd, even “out in town.” Despite their very different backgrounds, you’d always see a group of people with this intense bond, which felt like family.

Transitioning to Civilian Life and Real Estate Development

4. What was the transition like from the military to the field of real estate development?
In both fields, if you want to accomplish the mission, it helps if you’re cross-trained and capable of doing any part of the job. That flexibility really transfers over to real estate development.

5. How did your military experience shape your approach to problem-solving and teamwork at TCSD?
Adapt and overcome—this mentality keeps me resourceful and solutions-focused, which is key when leading projects at TCSD.

6. What motivated you to join the team at TCSD, and how does the mission here resonate with you?
What drew me in was the mission to create opportunities for kids in under-resourced neighborhoods. TCSD’s work levels the playing field for those kids, and I’m always willing to jump in for underdogs—especially when it comes to kids.

Applying Military Skills to TCSD Projects

7. Are there specific skills from your military training that you feel have been especially helpful in your role as a Project Director?
Leadership training is big, along with cross-training—having the skills to do everyone’s job if needed. I also carry the “fix it on the march” mindset, where you make adjustments as you go and keep moving forward.

8. How has your perspective as a veteran influenced the way you approach projects that serve under-resourced communities?
It’s about doing the right thing and making sure it’s done right. I believe in fighting for those who can’t fight for themselves and leaving things better than we found them.

9. What does “mission focus” mean to you in the context of TCSD’s work, especially as you work to develop schools in underserved areas?
It’s about balancing out the inequalities in education. When kids have access to better schools, it leads to better outcomes for them, their families, and ultimately strengthens the whole community.

Advice and Insights

10. What advice would you give other veterans considering a career in nonprofit work or real estate development?
Learn to be adaptable, and don’t be afraid to bring your unique skills to the table. The mission-focused approach will resonate, especially in nonprofit work.

11. How can organizations better support veterans in their transition to civilian roles, especially in fields like real estate development?
Provide training on industry specifics but also focus on mentorship and team-building. Veterans bring valuable skills, and with a little guidance, they can be real assets.

12. Lastly, on this Veteran’s Day, what message would you like to share with fellow veterans or those currently serving?
Thank you for stepping up to defend and protect our Constitution. And enjoy those well-deserved freebies and free meals! 😊

An Afternoon at a Construction Site with PCSD Interns

November 4, 2024 by PCSD

Who did you meet with today?

Today we met with Cameron Smith, Jared Gragg, and Nate Hall.

Where do they work? What does the company do?

They work for Overaa, a construction company. Right now, they are working on the Palace Theater in Oakland to make it into a new home for BayTech Charter School.

What did you learn today? What were some highlights?

Today we learned about Overaa and what they did. We also learned about the process of converting a former theater into a school. A highlight was when we toured the active construction zone, then finished off with getting a deep look into the construction plans and a bit of computer-aided project designs.

What insights did you gain into the field of real estate development?

We received insight into how construction companies operate and what measures they must take to ensure a safe and efficient construction process. We also learned about the various conditions and requirements set by the City of Oakland in order for the construction of the BayTech school to occur.

What did you find most interesting about the field after today?

What I found most interesting about today was the fact that the site we visited was a historical building, as it was over 100 years old. That meant that more permits were required for the construction to begin; it also meant that certain things had to be preserved from the initial state of construction. For example, specific water fountains were preserved, and specific flooring was also preserved.

What I Learned at the Construction Site

October 31, 2024 by PCSD

Today at the construction site, I learned about Building Information Modeling (BIM) from Overaa’s superintendent. I learned that it is a 3D design of the finished product on the computer with several different layers of the building. Each object, like steel or wood, had different colors so you would know what is what. The interesting thing about the 3D design is that if just one thing in the design was off then it could mess up the entire project. And part of the superintendent’s job was to make sure that everything overlapped and was perfect. The 3D design also came with a part that showed different systems like the plumbing or the sprinklers. We also got to see another design that the steel company made so that they can use that overlapping their design as well.

I also learned a lot about the structure and how the design of the school would be created. I learned that when the workers were high up making a new floor that they had to wear safety cords that connected them so they wouldn’t fall. I also saw that the measurements were written on the wall of each new area. Finally, I learned how holes in the walls were fixed. Basically, they put the metal wires in the holes by gluing them together and once that is done, they fill it with cement, so it looks like there never was a hole.

Exploring Charter Educational Facilities: A Side Tour Recap During the OFN Conference

October 31, 2024 by PCSD

PCSD took advantage of having so many partners in town by offering a special tour of three of our charter school projects near the Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) Conference in downtown Los Angeles. Designed to give lenders a close-up look at PCSD’s work in charter facility development, this informal tour celebrated our partners and showcased the impact we’re making together.

Here’s a recap of each stop:

Citizens of the World Los Angeles – Silver Lake Middle School

Our first stop set the tone with an exciting milestone—Silver Lake Middle School received its Temporary Certificate of Occupancy from the City of Los Angeles just hours before our tour! School staff is moving in now and the grand opening of the building is slated for November 13 at 4:30pm. This school less than 3 blocks away from the elementary school on Beverly Blvd reflects Citizens of the World’s community-centered approach to education. PCSD’s work helped shape flexible, collaborative spaces that offer students an environment as inspiring as it is functional.

Equitas Academy Elementary Schools 5/6

Next up, we visited Equitas Academy’s elementary campus on Pico Blvd that opened in 2022. This facility features vibrant classrooms and common areas designed to spark creativity and foster academic growth, perfectly aligned with Equitas Academy’s mission to prepare students for college and beyond. The top floor outdoor play space features solar tubes to bring light to interior classrooms.

Ednovate USC Hybrid High

The tour concluded with USC Hybrid High on Vermont Ave, where Ednovate’s unique hybrid learning model comes to life. In service since 2018, the project has a view from its atrium of the large construction site across the street – the new George Lucas Museum. PCSD contributed to creating spaces that blend in-person and digital learning, equipping students with skills for today’s evolving world.

Partner Highlights

This tour wouldn’t have been possible without the strong turnout from our partners, including Capital Impact Partners, US Bank, LISC, BlueHub Capital, ExED, LIIF, Chase Bank, and NFF. Their support is critical to our work in expanding educational access in under-resourced communities.

Reflections from the Road

A great opportunity to connect and celebrate our shared successes, we’re thrilled to have had the chance to showcase the work we’re doing and look forward to more milestones to come. Thank you to everyone who joined us on this journey!