CAEP
CFAD

Produced: Apr 28, 2025, 09:44 PM UTC - By Clint Cowden

39 Palo Verde River Consortium
CONSORTIUM APPROVED

2025-26

Fiscal Declaration - Consortium Approved

Consortium Name
39 Palo Verde River Consortium
Funding Channel
Fiscal Agent
Fiscal Agent
Palo Verde CCD
Narrative
The Palo Verde River Consortium's planned allocations directly align with our upcoming 2025–2028 CAEP 3-Year Strategic Plan and corresponding annual plan, both of which are grounded in a collaborative planning process and extensive review of regional and local needs. These plans were informed by labor market intelligence from the Inland Empire Regional Workforce Development Plan, the Riverside County Workforce Development Board Plan for 2025–2028, and our consortium-led community needs assessments in Blythe and Needles, California. These tools have been essential in identifying both existing service gaps and high-demand employment sectors within our vast, rural desert region. Our updated plans prioritize expanding access to adult education and workforce training programs in areas of high need such as digital literacy, healthcare support, commercial driving, entrepreneurship, and entry-level trades. These priorities are based on consistent labor market indicators showing that local employers are seeking job-ready applicants with industry-specific certifications and foundational skill sets. In response, allocations will support the growth of Career Development and College Preparation (CDCP) noncredit offerings, integrated education and training (IET) models, and contextualized ESL and ABE programs that reflect the educational and economic realities of our adult learners. Significant resources are also being dedicated to strengthening partnerships with K-12 districts, workforce agencies, and community-based organizations to better support transitions between adult school and college, as well as to employment. For instance, the consortium is working closely with the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Department to capture real-time data on employer needs in Needles, a historically underserved community. This alignment ensures that new program development is both relevant and sustainable. Investments in technology and flexible course delivery formats, including hybrid, HyFlex, and independent study models, reflect our commitment to increasing access for working adults, caregivers, and those in geographically isolated communities. As we implement our new strategic goals, allocations are being used to build local capacity, support professional development, and establish completion pathways that are responsive to the needs of both students and the regional economy. Our planned allocations also maintain support for the GED preparation and testing centers, now operating with expanded tutoring services in both Blythe and Needles. These services provide critical academic pathways for adults seeking high school equivalency and serve as an entry point to higher education and career training. The 3-Year Plan further reaffirms the Consortium’s focus on equity and economic mobility, ensuring that our investments are directed toward programs that promote student access, completion, and employability—especially for those disproportionately impacted by systemic barriers. We remain committed to a data-driven, community-informed approach that not only meets CAEP objectives but ensures long-term impact for adult learners and the economic vitality of our region.
Changes
No Changes

Member Allocations

Member Name (2025-26) (2024-25) (2023-24)
Needles Unified $103,431 $100,667 $109,319
Palo Verde CCD $827,446 $805,339 $779,610
Palo Verde Unified $103,431 $100,667 $109,319
Total Allocated to Members $1,034,308 $1,006,673 $998,248
Total CAEP Funds $1,034,308 $1,009,771 $999,080
Total Remaining $0 $3,098 $832
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.

20%

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

90%

70%

40%

20%

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

The Palo Verde River Consortium ensures transparency and accountability in the use of CAEP funds through a structured and collaborative reporting process. Available funds are reviewed quarterly during Consortium Board meetings, where member agencies analyze expenditures, evaluate progress toward annual and three-year plan goals, and determine whether funding is being effectively directed to address regional adult education priorities.

These meetings include formal updates on carryover balances and spending patterns, with ongoing discussion around compliance with CAEP and AB1491 guidelines regarding allowable carryover. The Consortium uses these opportunities to course-correct when necessary, prioritizing investments that expand student access, improve program outcomes, and build member capacity in underserved areas like Blythe and Needles.

Evaluation of fund utilization is both quantitative and strategic. Expenditure data is reviewed alongside program performance metrics, student enrollment and completion data, and insights from labor market analysis and partner input. This integrated approach allows the Consortium to make informed decisions and ensure that funding aligns with community needs and evolving workforce demands.

The Consortium Director also works closely with fiscal leads from each member agency to monitor fund activity and provide technical support to maintain full compliance with CAEP fiscal reporting requirements. This collective effort ensures that all funds are used efficiently, equitably, and in support of the Consortium’s mission to serve adult learners across our rural region.

Each voting member of the Palo Verde River Consortium is formally designated through an official action taken by their governing board. Members are required to submit a Board Appointment Item (BAI), along with the approved board meeting minutes confirming the appointment. These documents clearly identify the individual authorized to represent their district in official consortium matters.

To ensure compliance and transparency, all appointment records are submitted to the Consortium Director and securely maintained for documentation and verification purposes. This process is reviewed annually or as needed if there are any changes in representation, ensuring that only duly appointed officials participate in governance decisions on behalf of their agencies.

The Palo Verde River Consortium ensures active and equitable participation from all members in decision-making through transparent communication, consistent engagement, and adherence to governance protocols. A master calendar of board meetings is shared in advance, and all agendas and board materials are distributed ahead of time in compliance with Brown Act requirements. Agendas and meeting minutes are posted publicly on the Consortium website to promote accessibility and transparency.

Consortium decisions are made during scheduled public meetings, where each voting member—appointed by their governing board—has an equal voice. Email notifications and reminders are sent prior to each meeting to support full attendance and engagement. Any official decisions, including budget approvals, plan updates, and program development, require discussion and consensus by the voting members.

To reinforce accountability and participation, the Consortium conducts annual peer-to-peer and self-assessments aligned with CAEP guidance, the consortium governance plan, and the annual MOU. These practices help ensure members are contributing to shared goals and remain aligned with the priorities outlined in both the Annual and Three-Year Plans.

This structured, collaborative approach fosters a culture of shared responsibility and keeps all members fully engaged in advancing the mission of adult education across the region.

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%

The decision-making model used by the Palo Verde River Consortium was developed through collaborative discussion during the AB86 planning phase and has evolved to reflect the principles of fairness, transparency, and shared governance. From the outset, the consortium prioritized a model that ensures equal representation and accountability among all member agencies.

Each member’s governing board formally designates an official voting representative through an approved agenda item. This process guarantees that each district—whether K-12, County Office of Education, or Community College—is represented by an authorized decision-maker committed to participating in regular Consortium Board meetings.

To ensure equity, each member holds one vote, and a quorum is established when at least one K-12 district and the community college are present. This structure supports balanced input and safeguards against unilateral decision-making.

Voting procedures are designed to be accessible and compliant with Brown Act requirements. If a voting member cannot attend in person, remote participation (such as by phone or video) is permitted and recorded accordingly. Roll call votes are documented in the minutes, along with the names of those who move and second each action item, reinforcing transparency and accountability across the consortium.

This model reflects the values of inclusivity, responsiveness, and mutual respect, and has continued to serve the consortium effectively as it plans and implements adult education programs across the region.

The Palo Verde River Consortium conducts all board meetings in full compliance with the Brown Act, ensuring that proposed decisions are considered in open, properly noticed public sessions. Meeting agendas are posted in advance on the Consortium website and distributed to members and stakeholders, providing ample opportunity for public awareness and engagement.

Decisions are made through open discussion and consensus among officially designated voting members during these public meetings. Time is allocated for public comment, and all actions, including votes, are transparently recorded in the meeting minutes.

This process upholds the consortium’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and community inclusion, while ensuring that all decision-making aligns with CAEP guidance and the PVRC Governance Plan.

The Palo Verde River Consortium ensures public transparency and engagement by adhering to the Brown Act and California Government Code §54950 et seq. All proposed decisions are publicly noticed in advance through posted meeting agendas, which are made available on the Consortium website and distributed to stakeholders. This allows the public ample time to review agenda items and prepare comments.

Public participation is welcomed during meetings. For items not listed on the agenda, members of the public may speak during the designated “Public Comment” period. While no formal action is taken on non-agenda items, Board members may offer brief responses or refer matters for future discussion.

For agenda items, individuals may comment during the meeting by submitting a request form and are allotted up to three minutes to speak. The Consortium Chair may adjust time limits if needed to ensure all voices are heard. All public comments are acknowledged and considered before decisions are made.

This structured process reflects the Consortium’s commitment to open governance and to ensuring community input is meaningfully incorporated into adult education planning and decision-making.

The Palo Verde River Consortium is committed to transparency and public engagement in accordance with the Brown Act and California Government Code §54950 et seq. All public comments received during Consortium Board meetings—whether delivered in person or submitted in writing—are recorded in the official meeting minutes.

These minutes are reviewed, approved, and posted on the Consortium website to ensure they are accessible to all stakeholders and community members. Meeting agendas, which include opportunities for public comment, are also publicly posted in advance and shared with all member districts, who are encouraged to post them on their own websites.

By documenting and sharing public comments through official minutes, the Consortium maintains a clear record of community input and reinforces its commitment to open governance and inclusive decision-making.

The Palo Verde River Consortium actively engages regional partners—including Workforce Development Boards, the Employment Development Department (EDD), community-based organizations, and other service providers—through ongoing collaboration and shared planning efforts. These entities are invited to participate in both the Annual and Three-Year Planning processes to ensure decisions reflect the broader landscape of adult education and workforce needs.

The Consortium Director regularly attends regional workforce and education meetings in both Riverside and San Bernardino Counties to gather input, share updates, and align proposed decisions with partner priorities. This includes coordination with both counties’ Workforce Development Boards to support regional alignment and collaboration.

Proposed decisions are communicated through Consortium Board agendas, which are publicly posted and shared with partners. Input from regional stakeholders is encouraged through formal invitations to public meetings and one-on-one consultations. Comments received from these partners are documented, reviewed, and considered by Consortium members during decision-making discussions.

This collaborative approach ensures that the Consortium remains responsive to regional workforce demands, avoids duplication of services, and strengthens pathways that benefit adult learners across the service area.

The Palo Verde River Consortium determines approval of the annual distribution schedule through a formal vote by all members during a publicly noticed Consortium Board meeting. This decision is made in alignment with Section 84913 and reflects the priorities and activities outlined in the approved Annual and Three-Year Plans.

To support efficient and transparent fiscal management, the Consortium has designated Palo Verde Community College District as the fiscal agent. The fiscal agent is responsible for disbursing funds to member agencies on a monthly basis in accordance with the approved schedule. The distribution plan is developed collaboratively, ensuring it supports program implementation, promotes equitable access to resources, and aligns with both CAEP guidelines and member capacity.

Any adjustments to the distribution schedule are brought back to the Board for discussion and approval, reinforcing a shared commitment to accountability and responsiveness to regional adult education needs.

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?

A) designated a member to serve as the fund administrator to receive and distribute funds from the program

Membership in the Palo Verde River Consortium is governed by the provisions outlined in AB104, specifically Education Code Sections 84914 and 84917. Entities eligible under these provisions may join the consortium upon receiving adult education funds and must formally agree to the Consortium’s governance structure by endorsing its governance plan.

New members are expected to demonstrate alignment with the regional adult education plan, a commitment to collaboration, and the capacity to deliver services that address identified adult education needs. Admission requires approval by a simple majority vote of the Consortium Board.

Members wishing to withdraw must secure formal approval from their respective governing board and notify the Consortium in writing. Likewise, the Consortium reserves the right to initiate the dismissal of a member agency in cases where a member is unwilling or unable to meet the goals of the Annual or Three-Year Plan, fails to attend meetings regularly, or consistently underperforms despite documented support and intervention.

Dismissal proceedings follow due process, including formal notice to the member’s superintendent and governing board, a public vote by the Consortium Board, and full documentation of the process in meeting minutes. Final notice of dismissal is submitted to the CAEP Office by the Consortium Director.

This process ensures that all members are held to shared standards of accountability, participation, and performance in support of the consortium’s mission to deliver effective adult education services throughout the region.

The Palo Verde River Consortium has established a 20% carryover threshold as the standard for identifying excessive member carryover. If a member’s carryover exceeds this threshold, it will prompt a formal discussion between the member district, the Consortium Director, and the Consortium Board.

These discussions are intended to identify barriers to spending, review current and upcoming program priorities, and develop strategies to ensure funds are being used effectively to meet the goals outlined in the Annual and Three-Year Plans. The goal is not punitive but supportive—focused on helping members align spending with student and community needs while maintaining compliance with CAEP fiscal expectations.

This carryover policy supports transparency, encourages responsible fund utilization, and ensures resources are directed where they are needed most to expand and strengthen adult education services across the region.

The Palo Verde River Consortium monitors carryover funds through quarterly reviews during publicly noticed Consortium Board meetings. Each member agency presents and reviews its expenditure reports, allowing the group to assess spending trends, forecast carryover amounts, and evaluate alignment with program goals. When necessary, the NOVA Allocation Amendment process is used to reallocate funds to ensure timely and effective use.

To support fiscal accountability, the consortium has adopted a 20% carryover threshold. If a member exceeds this threshold, a technical assistance and intervention process is initiated. This process includes:

  1. Monitoring Phase (Year 1): If a member exceeds the 20% threshold, they enter a monitoring phase in the following year. During this time, the Consortium Director works with the member to assess spending barriers, review program needs, and develop a plan to support strategic spending.

  2. Support and Technical Assistance: Tailored technical assistance is provided through one-on-one meetings, fiscal planning support, and access to professional development. Members are encouraged to align unused funds with existing or new initiatives that serve adult learners and reflect the priorities in the Annual and Three-Year Plans.

  3. Intervention Phase (Year 2): If a member continues to carry over more than 20% for a second consecutive year, the Consortium Board may vote to reduce future allocations by an amount equal to the excessive carryover, following the guidelines of AB1491 and CAEP state policy.

This process ensures that funds are being used responsibly, equitably, and in service of student success. The consortium has no additional formal bylaws related to carryover at this time but follows all relevant provisions in its Governance Plan and CAEP legislation.

The Palo Verde River Consortium defines member effectiveness as the consistent and measurable contribution of each member agency toward meeting the goals outlined in the CAEP Annual and Three-Year Plans. Effectiveness is assessed through a combination of qualitative and quantitative indicators.

Key factors include:

  • Student Outcomes: Analysis of DIR and MIS data to evaluate progress in enrollment, persistence, measurable skill gains, and transitions to postsecondary education or employment.

  • Fiscal Stewardship: Timely and strategic use of allocated funds, alignment with program goals, and maintaining spending within the consortium’s carryover policy.

  • Per Pupil Investment: Review of expenditures relative to the number of students served to assess efficiency and impact.

  • Engagement and Participation: Regular attendance at consortium meetings, timely submission of required reports, active involvement in planning, and collaboration with regional partners.

  • Program Quality and Responsiveness: Demonstrated ability to align services with community needs, offer relevant and accessible programming, and respond to local labor market demands.

Member effectiveness is reviewed through quarterly consortium meetings and annual peer-to-peer reviews. When challenges arise, the consortium provides technical assistance and collaborates with the member to develop improvement strategies, ensuring that all agencies are supported in their efforts to serve adult learners effectively.

The Palo Verde River Consortium does not maintain separate bylaws exclusively governing member effectiveness. However, member responsibilities and performance expectations are clearly outlined in the Consortium’s Governance Plan, as well as in the annual Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by each member agency.

These agreements establish the framework for member participation, service delivery, fiscal responsibility, and alignment with the goals of the CAEP Annual and Three-Year Plans. Member effectiveness is assessed through a review of data from the DIR and MIS systems, fiscal reports, attendance and participation in Consortium meetings, and overall contributions to regional adult education priorities.

The Consortium also adheres to CAEP directives and the Fiscal Management Guide, which provide additional guidance on accountability and performance standards. If a member is not meeting expectations, the Consortium initiates a technical assistance process to provide support and collaboratively address challenges. Continued non-compliance may result in adjustments to funding or participation, following applicable Education Code provisions and CAEP policy.

This structure ensures that member effectiveness is monitored through both state-aligned guidelines and locally agreed-upon responsibilities, promoting equity, collaboration, and impact across the region.

20. Does the consortium have a formal document detailing its work beyond the questionnaire?

Yes

https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=9d0ad64399688bdf90b760606ade98389eaadb3e1d96f55623124af073721d83JmltdHM9MTc0MzM3OTIwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=2a4bc23c-8515-6e2a-0de3-d75284916f57&psq=1332839paloverdefinal6.22.15updatedregionalplan.pdf&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLXN3cC1hdHRhY2htZW50cy5zMy5hbWF6b25hd3MuY29tL2FlYmcvY29uc29ydGlhL2luc3RpdHV0aW9uMzY2LzIwMTUvMTMzMjgzOXBhbG92ZXJkZWZpbmFsNi4yMi4xNXVwZGF0ZWRyZWdpb25hbHBsYW4ucGRm&ntb=1

Member Agencies

Member AgencyMember TypeContactPhone
Palo Verde CCDDistrictClint Cowden
Needles UnifiedUnified School DistrictDr Garry Cameron(760) 903-3947
Palo Verde UnifiedUnified School DistrictJosie Koivisto(760) 922-4164 ext: 1241

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)).

Needles Unified - Member Representative

Approved by Cecil Edwards

04/17/2025 10:07 AM PDT

Palo Verde CCD - Member Representative

Approved by Clint Cowden

04/28/2025 02:44 PM PDT

Palo Verde Unified - Member Representative

Approved by Josie Koivisto

04/17/2025 11:49 AM PDT