CAEP
CFAD

Produced: May 6, 2025, 06:55 PM UTC - By Kris Munro

05 Greater Opportunity Through Adult Learning
CONSORTIUM APPROVED

2025-26

Fiscal Declaration - Consortium Approved

Consortium Name
05 Greater Opportunity Through Adult Learning
Funding Channel
Direct Funded
Narrative
The planned allocations for the 2024-2025 program year are aligned with the consortium's plans, ensuring that all expenditures directly support the overarching goals and strategies outlined in both the annual and three-year plans. Program Development and Expansion The consortium continues to develop and expand programs that address regional needs and student priorities. This includes the implementation of new programs such as the WildFire Academy and the expansion of career preparation courses into existing programs. These initiatives are directly aligned with the three-year plan's focus on providing in-demand career pathways and supporting student transitions to the workforce. Support Services Comprehensive support services are an important strategy. The planned allocations ensure that support services such as transition specialists, centralized hubs for resources, and enhanced marketing efforts are adequately funded. These services are make our students goals more achievable as they navigate their educational paths sometimes at more than one institution. Curriculum and Instructional Mapping The consortium places a strong emphasis on curriculum development and instructional mapping to meet the educational needs of adult learners. The planned allocations support initiatives like the ESL curriculum alignment and the development of noncredit courses. The development of noncredit courses at the college have allowed the offering of various noncredit certificates, which provide our students with in demand skills that allow them to reenter the workforce or continue to the credit path if desired. Data Management and Evaluation Effective data management and evaluation are critical for measuring progress and making informed decisions. This is an area of improvement. The consortium plans to evaluate and potentially enhance the use of data systems like CommunityPro to better track student outcomes and program effectiveness. This aligns with the three-year plan's emphasis on using data to drive continuous improvement. Fiscal Oversight and Accountability: The consortium continues to ensure fiscal integrity and programmatic alignment. Regular board meetings and detailed reporting from each member provide transparency and accountability. This oversight ensures that all expenditures are consistent with the goals and strategies of the three-year and annual plans. Addressing Carry-Over Funds The consortium is actively working to minimize carryover funds and has implemented regular updates during board meetings to enhance transparency. The largest member, PVUSD, has identified potential student-centered initiatives that align with the three-year plan, such as launching an LVN program and exploring childcare services. These initiatives will be funded using the remaining carry-over funds, ensuring that all resources are utilized effectively to support the consortium's goals. The planned allocations for the 2024-2025 program year are carefully designed to support the consortium's mission of providing high-quality adult education that meets regional needs and student priorities. By aligning expenditures with the three-year plan's goals and maintaining fiscal oversight, the consortium ensures that all resources are used effectively to enhance educational opportunities and support student success.
Changes
No Changes

Member Allocations

Member Name (2025-26) (2024-25) (2023-24)
Cabrillo CCD $530,744 $522,457 $518,085
Pajaro Valley Unified $3,640,230 $3,629,061 $3,598,692
Santa Cruz Co. Office of Education $176,461 $79,760 $79,092
Total Allocated to Members $4,347,435 $4,231,278 $4,195,869
Total CAEP Funds $4,347,435 $4,244,300 $4,199,365
Total Remaining $0 $13,022 $3,496
Member Allocation Certification

I certify that this CFAD is true and accurate. Our consortium certifies that the allocations listed correctly represent all funded members and their respective amounts.

Carryover Threshold

Input a percentage of carryover that your consortium agrees will be considered an excessive amount.

Should a member, or members, exceed this carryover percentage upon certification of their Q4 report, they will be flagged as non-compliant with the carryover legislation (EC 84914). One year of non-compliance does not carry a penalty. However, should the same member, or members, have two consecutive years of non-compliance the consortium may agree, by majority vote, to reallocate an amount that does not exceed the carryover to other members.

A consortium does have the ability to opt-out. To do so, simply toggle the carryover threshold button to the off position.

19%

Corrective Action Fiscal Reporting Quarterly Thresholds

If member carryover is over the threshold set below, a corrective action narrative will be required to complete.

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
% of Carryover Threshold

80%

60%

40%

19%

Consortia Report on Governance Compliance of Rules and Procedures v.2

1. Have all community college districts, school districts, county offices of education, or any joint powers authority, located within the boundaries of the adult education region been allowed to join the consortium as a member?

Yes

2. Have all members committed to reporting any funds available to that member for the purposes of education and workforce services for adults and the uses of those funds?

Yes

Funds status is reported and evaluated each quarter, aligned with CAEP/NOVA deadlines. Any carryover will be subject to board updates to track progress toward the 19% consortium threshold limit. Members are required to spend funds according to CAEP guidelines, the three-year plan, and annual plan. 

Our bylaws reflect the voting member agencies and alternate selected by each agency. This is how we assure that each member of the consortium is represented only by an official designated by the governing board of the member agency 

We ensure active participation from every consortium member in decision-making through a multi-faceted approach. Our self-governance structure is designed to empower each member with a voice and a vote in key decisions. Also, our monthly public board meetings provide a transparent forum for discussion, input, and collaborative decision-making, encouraging active engagement from all members and various stakeholders through public comment. Finally, our commitment to adherence to the Brown Act guarantees open and public processes, ensuring all members are informed and have the opportunity to contribute to deliberations and decisions. 

6. What will be the relative voting power of each member?

1 member = 1 vote

7. How will decisions be approved?

by majority vote of 51%

Our decision making model was discussed by all member agencies, decided on and outlined in our Bylaws 

Proposed decisions will be presented and discussed during our regularly scheduled, open public meetings. These meetings are announced with a minimum of 72-hour notice, and the corresponding agendas are widely distributed to all stakeholders in our region, including through platforms like BoardDocs and direct email/calendar invitations. These agendas include direct links for public access.

Prior to the consideration of any proposed decision, the agenda will clearly outline the item for discussion. During the meeting, the board will provide an overview of the proposed decision, including its rationale and potential impact.

Our meeting agendas feature a permanent "Public Comment" item. During this designated time, members of the public, including those who have submitted comments in advance to the GOAL consortium director (to be read during the board meeting), as well as those present at the meeting, are provided with an opportunity to address the board directly regarding any item on the agenda, including the proposed decision.

The board will listen to and consider all public comments before engaging in deliberation and taking any action on the proposed decision. The minutes of these public meetings, which document the discussions and any decisions made, are also publicly accessible through BoardDocs, ensuring transparency and accountability in our decision-making process. This approach aligns with our commitment to the Brown Act, ensuring open governance and meaningful public participation.

To guarantee open and properly noticed public meetings, we utilize the platform BoardDocs for comprehensive information sharing. We also directly engage stakeholders through targeted email and calendar invitations. This is reinforced by our strict adherence to the Brown Act. All stakeholders in our region receive notifications containing links to our consortium meeting agendas, which explicitly include avenues for public comment. 

Our agenda sharing communications explicitly inform the public that they can submit comments in advance directly to the GOAL consortium director to be read during the board meeting. Additionally, a dedicated "Public Comment" item is a permanent fixture on our board meeting agendas, providing an opportunity for members of the public to address the board directly during the meeting. 

When a proposed decision is formulated and placed on an upcoming public meeting agenda (with at least 72-hour notice), key entities within the adult education region, including local public agencies (especially those in public safety and social services), workforce investment boards, libraries, and community-based organizations, will receive the meeting agenda, relevant background information on the proposed decision, and a clear invitation to provide comments. We will utilize established communication channels, such as direct email and potentially shared communication platforms, to ensure these partner entities receive timely information and have a direct point of contact within the GOAL consortium (likely the consortium director) for submitting their feedback. Our meeting notifications and agenda postings (including those on BoardDocs) will explicitly state that comments and input are welcomed. 

To facilitate ease of participation, we will offer multiple ways for partner entities to provide their input, including submitting written comments in advance directly to the GOAL consortium director, to be shared with the board and read during the public meeting, and by attending our monthly public board meetings and speaking during the designated "Public Comment" item on the agenda for direct engagement with the board. For particularly significant proposed decisions that require extensive input, the consortium may consider allocating specific time on the agenda for presentations or focused discussions with these entities. 

All comments and input received from partner entities, whether written or verbal, will be carefully considered by the board during their deliberations on the proposed decision, with the consideration of these comments reflected in the publicly available meeting minutes on BoardDocs. By implementing these strategies, the GOAL consortium aims to foster strong collaborative relationships with other entities in the adult education region, ensuring that their valuable perspectives are thoughtfully considered in our decision-making processes, ultimately leading to more informed and effective outcomes for the adult learners we collectively serve. 

Approval of the distribution schedule pursuant to Section 84913 is determined through our consortium’s formal governance process. The schedule is reviewed and adopted by the GOAL board in accordance with the Brown Act’s open meeting requirements. Proposed allocations are developed collaboratively, based on an analysis of member needs, alignment with the consortium’s three-year and annual plans, and other relevant factors. The final distribution schedule is approved during a publicly noticed meeting, with documentation retained in the official meeting minutes to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with state requirements.

14. Has the consortium A) designated a member to serve as the fund administrator to receive and distribute funds from the program or B) chosen to have a funds flow directly to the member districts based upon the approved distribution schedule?

B) chosen to have funds flow directly to the member districts based upon the approved distribution schedule

Our consortium adheres to the principles of the Consortium Effectiveness model, emphasizing accountability and impactful service delivery within the context of the California Adult Education Program (CAEP). If a member agency chooses to discontinue offering a program that aligns with our regional priorities and CAEP objectives, the funding previously allocated to that specific program will be re-evaluated and potentially redirected to other consortium members who can effectively meet those needs.

n alignment with CAEP's focus on quality and outcomes, and consistent with the principles outlined in California Education Code § 84914 regarding consortium effectiveness and regional planning, if a member agency is deemed ineffective based on clearly defined performance indicators and through a documented process of review and support, their funding allocation may be adjusted. This determination of ineffectiveness would likely involve a comprehensive assessment of factors such as student outcomes, program quality, compliance, and contribution to the consortium's overall goals. Prior to any funding adjustments due to ineffectiveness, the consortium will engage in a process of providing support and opportunities for improvement.

The ultimate goal of this approach is to ensure that CAEP funds are strategically invested in effective programs that maximize outcomes for adult learners in our region, consistent with the Consortium Effectiveness model and the legislative intent expressed in California Education Code § 84914. Decisions regarding funding adjustments would be made transparently and in accordance with our consortium's governance structure.

The consortium has decided for a range between 15-19% carryover. The ultimate amount of member carryover accepted will be 19%. 

All member agencies receiving financial allocations will provide quarterly budget updates to the board. This aims to monitor the proper spending of funds and ensure that carryover does not exceed the 15-19% range. If a member exceeds the 19% limit, the consortium director will work closely with them to develop an action plan to prevent recurrence.

In accordance with AB1491, if a member has a carryover exceeding the limit for two consecutive years, despite monitoring, support, and an approved carryover plan, the board will consider redistribution of those funds.

We follow CAEP's model of member effectiveness. If a member is no longer able to deliver a program or deemed ineffective 

Our bylaws address member effectiveness through outlining grounds for dismissal based on non-compliance and failure to meet program standards, establishing general assurances that include evaluating whether member services meet regional needs, and by addressing the issue of excessive carryover as a potential indicator of ineffective fund utilization. 

Program Delivery Effectiveness

  • Section 3.5: Dismissal of Members:
    • Failure to deliver adult education programs and services in accordance with standards established in AB 104, Section 39, Article 9, Section 84900.
  • Section 3.7: General Assurances:
    • Evaluation: Consortia have evaluated members to identify that the services provided meet the needs identified in the adult education plan.

2.   Compliance and Administrative Effectiveness

  • Section 3.5: Dismissal of Members:
    • Failure to adhere to laws and regulations governing adult education programs and services.
    • Failure to submit annual plans.
    • Failure to adhere to reporting requirements for expenditures and student data.
    • Failure to designate at least one “official representative” to serve on the Governing Board and represent the interests of the member organization.
  • Section 3.7: General Assurances:
    • Failure to meet the requirements may result in a determination of non-compliance and lead to partial or complete loss of Consortium and/or Member funding.

3.   Participation and Collaboration Effectiveness

  • Section 3.5: Dismissal of Members:
    • Failure to participate in the decision-making process for development of regional adult education programs and services.

4.   Financial Management Effectiveness

  • Section 9.4: Carryover Funds:
    • 9.4.4 Guidelines for Carryover Management: Addresses members who don't effectively manage and spend their allocated funds.
    • 9.4.7 Technical Assistance: Deals with improving fund utilization for members with excessive carryover.
20. Does the consortium have a formal document detailing its work beyond the questionnaire?

Yes

Member Agencies

Member AgencyMember TypeContactPhone
Cabrillo CCDDistrictDr. Matthew Wetstein(831) 479-6302
Pajaro Valley UnifiedUnified School DistrictChristina Koda(831) 786-2100 ext: 2630
Santa Cruz City HighHigh School DistrictKris Munro(831) 429-3410 ext: 3410
Santa Cruz Co. Office of EducationCounty Office of Education (COE)Dr. Faris Sabbah(831) 750-7377
Santa Cruz Workforce Development BoardOtherAndy Stone

Certification & Assurances

By clicking "Approve" on the approval cards below, you are certifying the CFAD as well as confirming that you and ALL consortium members agree to the Assurances listed below.

Assurances

Membership & Decision-Making
  • I certify that any community college district, school district, or county office of education, or any joint powers authority consisting of community college districts, school districts, county offices of education, or a combination of these, located within the boundaries of the adult education region shall be permitted to join the consortium as a member (EC 84905 (a)(b). (See Membership Box above).
  • I certify that only members as described above (and in EC 84905) are allowed to join my consortium as members and participate in decision making and approvals whether in a public meeting, or via the NOVA planning, budgeting & expense reporting system.
  • I certify that as a condition of joining a consortium, as a member, I shall commit to reporting any funds (as described in EC 84916) available to that member for the purposes of education and workforce services for adults and the uses of those funds through the annual Program Area exercise in NOVA for reporting leveraged funds, and instructional hours.
  • I certify that as a member of the consortium my district shall be represented only by an official designated by the governing board of the member (EC 84905 (c)).
  • I certify that as a member of the consortium, I shall participate in any decision made by the consortium (EC 84905 (d)(1)(A)).
  • I certify that all decision made by the consortium and its members is final (EC 84905 (d)(1)(F)).
  • I certify that I will adhere to the consortium rules and procedures and, as agreed upon by the consortium members, to any additional by-laws, charters, etc.
Public Meetings
  • I certify that a proposed decision is considered at an open, properly noticed public meeting of the consortium at which members of the public may comment (EC 84905 (d)(1)(B)).
  • I certify that the consortium has provided the public with adequate notice of a proposed decision and considered any comments submitted by members of the public, and any comments submitted by members of the public have been distributed publicly (EC 84905 (d)(1)(C)).
  • I certify that the consortium has requested comments regarding a proposed decision from other entities located in the adult education region that provide education and workforce services for adults (EC 84905 (d)(1)(D)(i)).
  • I certify that the consortium has requested comments regarding a proposed decision from other entities located in the adult education region that provide education and workforce services for adults (EC 84905 (d)(1)(D)(i)).
  • I certify that the consortium has considered input provided by pupils, teachers employed by local educational agencies, community college faculty, principals, administrators, classified staff, and the local bargaining units of the school districts and community college districts before it makes a decision (EC 84905 (d)(1)(E)).
  • I certify that in addition to the meeting requirements listed in EC 84905, and as agreed upon by the consortium members, that I will follow the public meeting requirements listed in the Ralph M. Brown Act as the Brown Act applies to the governing body of any “local body created by state or federal statute.” (Ed. Code, section 54952.)
Reporting Requirements
  • I certify that I will participate in completing and updating any consortium long range and/or short range planning efforts and/or budget work plans (EC 84906, 84914(a)).
  • I certify that all CAEP expenses have been expended in the CAEP seven program areas, and services provided are consistent with the 3-year plan, the annual plan, and my district’s work plan & budget as submitted in NOVA (EC 84913 (1-7), 84906, 8914(a)).
  • I certify that my expenditures of CAEP funds match the objectives/activities included in the annual plan and the member work plan (EC 84906, 84914(a)).
  • I certify that my expenditures of CAEP funds adhere to the allowable uses of funds as identified in the CAEP Fiscal Management Guide.
  • I certify that I will report student level enrollment data and outcomes as prescribed by the State CAEP Office (EC 84920).
  • I certify that I will share financial expenditure and progress reports with the members of my regional consortium.
  • I certify that I understand that as a member if I do not meet any of these items I have certified, I will be deemed an ineffective member which may result in a loss or reduction of CAEP funding (EC 84914(b)).
  • I certify that all CAEP expenses have been expended only for the education of persons 18 years of age or older (EC 84901(a)).

Cabrillo CCD - Member Representative

Approved by Dr. Matthew Wetstein

05/02/2025 11:55 AM PDT

Pajaro Valley Unified - Member Representative

Approved by Angel Rodriguez

05/02/2025 01:08 PM PDT

Santa Cruz City High - Member Representative

Approved by Kris Munro

05/06/2025 11:54 AM PDT

Santa Cruz Co. Office of Education - Member Representative

Approved by Denise Sanson

05/02/2025 12:15 PM PDT

Santa Cruz Workforce Development Board - Member Representative

Approved by Andy Stone

05/06/2025 11:23 AM PDT