Our Services
School Facility Consultants (SFC) is a full-service company that assisting School Districts, County Offices of Education, and Charter Schools in all aspects of school facility planning.
State Funding Eligibility & Application
California School Districts, County Offices of Education, and Charter Schools have the potential to realize significant State funding contributions through individualized analysis of funding eligibility under the States School Facility Program (SFP). SFC consulting staff is trained to analyze complex data sets in order to determine eligibility and access funding available through the Office of Public School Construction (OPSC) and other State agencies. SFC assists Clients in navigating the multi-step requirements and coordinating with these agencies through the entire funding process.
Funding Strategy
By synthesizing our various areas of technical expertise, SFC consulting staff is equipped to develop complex and effective long and short-term funding strategies that provide proven results in facilities funding. As a full-service consulting firm, SFC has the ability to take client facilities projects from start to finish, applying methodology that garners the greatest funding gains while addressing specific and individual project needs which may evolve during the life of the project. SFC assists clients in providing a long-term strategy which results in maximizing outside funding sources to expand the life of their local funding availability. These efforts ultimately afford our Clients with the ability to provide additional and enhanced learning environments for students.
Project Closeout & Audit Support
As part of participation in the SFP, School Districts, County Offices of Education and Charter Schools are required by statute and regulation to conform to a number of certifications, as well as to ensure that funds received are expended appropriately. As part of the project closeout process, OPSC conducts extensive audits, during which clients are asked to produce evidence of project expenditures and compliance with certifications. SFC assists clients in compiling the documentation necessary to demonstrate conformance with expenditure requirements and the numerous certifications in order for clients to retain their awarded project funding amounts.
Planning
Clients utilize facility planning to forecast their facility needs into the future. SFC produces enrollment analysis, school capacity and facility inventories and funding assistance for clients. SFC’s planning work assesses potential impacts associated with new residential development, shifts in demographic trends, and fluctuating district boundaries.
Developer Fee Studies
School Districts are authorized to collect impact fees on new residential and commercial/industrial development pursuant to California law. The preparation of developer fee studies in accordance with statute is required in order for districts to collect these fees. These studies utilize local district data, including new residential development, historical statistical information, and school construction costs to determine the dollar amount that can be justified for collection by the school district. SFCs Planning Division prepares Justification Studies (Level 1) and School Facility Needs Analysis Studies (Level 2 and 3) according to the Education and Government Code provisions.
Federal Funding
A variety of funding options are available to School Districts beyond what is offered through the State School Facility Program. SFC helps clients seek a broad scope of funding sources through specific federal programs. Many of these federal programs mandate that funds be applied to particular, substantiated uses. SFC reviews clients projects relative to these federal programs to ensure that clients maintain the ability to meet those accounting requirements.
Local Support Services
Our Sacramento office serves as the heart of our operation, providing our consultants with immediate access to State Agency representatives and legislators. In order to provide the customized services that our clients require and depend upon, SFC also maintains a presence throughout the State. In addition to its Sacramento location, SFC has consulting staff located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and our consultants regularly participate in workshops, seminars, and frequent client meetings in the Central Valley, Kern County and Southern California. By being available throughout all regions of California, we are able to provide our clients with valuable face-to-face meeting time in their home territories.
Partner With Us
We are dedicated to helping our clients navigate every aspect of school facility planning and funding. From securing state and federal funding to long-term facility planning and project closeout, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.
