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Board returns $1,001,000 to Measure C charter fund after accounting error, opens funds to December applications
Summary
After discovering a mathematical error that left an extra $1,001,000 unallocated, the Chico Unified board voted 4–1 to return the money to the Measure C charter fund and invite charter applications by the Dec. 30 deadline; board members expressed concern about Blue Oak Charter School’s project feasibility and asked staff to ensure clear communication.
The Chico Unified School District board on Nov. 19 debated how to handle $1,001,000 of Measure C charter funds discovered after a mathematical error in earlier accounting. Staff told the board the extra dollars exist in the Measure C charter pot and proposed options: allocate the funds to Blue Oak Charter School as originally intended by a prior friendly amendment, or return the funds to the pot and open them to applications due Dec. 30.
Board members raised two central questions: whether the additional money should be added to the amount already allocated to Blue Oak, and whether Blue Oak had a viable, revised project plan that could make effective use of the additional funding. Staff and trustees noted that Blue Oak’s project had been presented at a larger scale and might still be short of the district’s funding goals even with the extra million.
A motion to return the $1,001,000 to the Measure C pot and invite charter applications by the Dec. 30 deadline passed on a roll‑call vote, 4–1. Roll call was recorded as: Olsen, aye; Konkin/Conklin, nay; Landau, aye; Hayes, aye; Robinson, aye. The motion directs staff to confirm the December application process is public and to ensure Blue Oak and other charter schools receive notice and guidance on reapplying.
Several board members said they view getting Blue Oak a permanent facility as a priority but expressed concern about committing additional funds without a revised, feasible plan from the charter. One trustee said she preferred the money go back into the pot so Blue Oak could reapply with a plan that reflected the actual available funding.
The board’s action was procedural and funding‑allocation focused; the motion did not change rubric or scoring requirements for Measure C applications. Staff said the district will communicate the reopened funds and deadline to charter operators and will use the established rubric when scoring any December applications.
