Access Small School District Program Funding

OPSC began a series of stakeholder meetings in early 2025 to implement the Small School District Program (Program) and discuss the development of formal School Facility Program regulations for the Program. At the February 25, 2026, and April 29, 2026, State Allocation Board (Board) meetings, the Board approved regulations for implementation of the Small School District Program:

(February 25, 2026) Proposed Emergency Regulatory Amendments for the Small School District Program

(April 29, 2026) Proposed Emergency Regulatory Amendments for the Small School District Program

The following is a summary of the proposed Program as the Board adopted it, subject to the Administrative Procedures Act.

About this Service

The Kindergarten through Grade 12 Schools and Local Community College Public Education Facilities Modernization, Repair, and Safety Bond Act of 2024 (Proposition 2) established in 2024 by Proposition 2, this service provides dedicated funding for eligible small school districts or county offices of education with an enrollment of 2,500 pupils or fewer at the time of application submittal. The Program includes $400 million for Modernization projects and $330 million for New Construction projects. Districts request a preliminary apportionment (reservation of bond authority) for their projects by submitting an Application for Small School District Program Preliminary Apportionment (Form SAB 50-12) during the following program opening dates:

• Modernization Applications: November 2, 2026
• New Construction Applications: January 15, 2027

Districts who have a successful Preliminary Program Apportionment reserve bond authority for up to four years, with a potential one-time, one year extension subject to Board approval in accordance with School Facility Program Regulation Section 1859.157.6. Districts must then convert their Preliminary to a Final Program Apportionment using the Application for Funding (Form SAB 50-04) within four years of the Board approval date for the Form SAB 50-12, along with required documentation such as, but not limited to, any California Department of Education Plan Approvals, Division of the State Architect Plan Approvals, the District’s Five-Year Facility Master Plan, and other required documentation that accompanies a complete and valid Form SAB 50-04 submittal.

Applications for the Program are submitted to the Office of Public School Construction in two stages: an application for eligibility and an application for a Preliminary Small School District Apportionment.

Districts are encouraged to submit their eligibility documents and Form SAB 50-12 in the OPSC Online application.

To calculate and confirm eligibility and review funding opportunities for the Modernization program, please refer to the following: Access Modernization Funding for Schools

To calculate and confirm eligibility and review funding opportunities for the New Construction program, please refer to the following: Access New Construction Funding for Schools

How to Apply for a Preliminary Apportionment

• OPSC Online Application
• SSDP 50-12 Application Submittal Requirements – Forthcoming
• Small School District Program Contacts:
  • For questions about SSDP eligibility and funding or filling out and submitting a Form SAB 50-12, contact OPSCSmallSchools@dgs.ca.gov.

Preliminary to Final Apportionment Process

• Preliminary to Final Apportionment Process (PDF)

Small School District Program Overview – Virtual Presentation

• Presentation (Recording) – Forthcoming
• Presentation Slides (PDF) – Forthcoming
• Financial Hardship (Recording) - Forthcoming
• Financial Hardship (PDF) - Forthcoming

California Department of Education Resources

• Supporting America's School Infrastructure Grant - School Facilities (CA Dept of Education)
• Supporting Priority School Districts - School Facilities (CA Dept of Education)
• School Facilities & Transportation Services Division - Organization (CA Dept of Education)