[Busmgrs] May 2017 OSCIM Program

[ELLIOTT Michael S - ODE]

Dear Business Managers,

As most of you know, the 2017-19 Governor's Recommended Budget did not include funding to support the issuance of General Obligation Bonds  for grants from the Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching (OSCIM) Program for the May 2017 local election.  The funding that was included in the Governor's budget provided enough to cover bonds issued for grants awarded in two out of the three planned funding cycles for 2015-17: May 2016 and November 2016.

Over the last several weeks, the Governor has had discussions with the co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, as well as representatives of school districts and the OSCIM program.  The Governor clearly sees the benefit of the OSCIM program, not only for its ability to leverage funding that effectively addresses major capital needs of Oregon's schools, but also for its additional ability to create jobs and provide an economic stimulus across the state.

As a result of these discussions, the Governor has elected to allow the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to continue with its plan to issue General Obligation Bonds in February 2017 that will provide matching grants to school districts that successfully pass their local bonds during the May 2017 local elections.  This will provide approximately $30 million in state funding to help leverage additional local bond funding for capital improvement projects for schools throughout Oregon.

I recognize that both the Governor and Legislature are facing very difficult decisions in regard to funding programs for 2017-19.  I'm very grateful to both the Governor and the Legislature for their review of the OSCIM program and their recognition that this program supports current biennial opportunities that will positively benefit our local schools and students, as well as our local economies.

My staff in the Office of School Facilities will be providing more specific information about the application process for the May 2017 election.   At this point, all school districts should continue to work on their local bond issuance plans with the understanding that opportunities will be available to receive state support that will match their efforts.   Applications for grant commitments for the May 2017 election will be accepted starting at 8:00 am on Friday, January 13, 2017.

Please contact Michael Elliott, School Facilities Coordinator, if you have any additional questions about the application process.


Sincerely,

Salam Noor, Ph.D.
Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction



Michael Elliott, J.D.
School Facilities Coordinator | Office of Finance & Administration|School Finance & School Facilities| Oregon Department of Education
Office: 503.947.5627 | Fax: 503.378.5156 | *michael.s.elliott at state.or.us

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