Emergency Plan B:
Immediate Infrastructure Triage

TL;DR

We can’t let leaders hold children’s well-being hostage over a giant bond that may fail. This policy framework focuses on urgent repairs immediately — using smaller, more flexible financing tools that other districts have already tested.

1. Multiple “Micro-Bonds”

What & Why: Borrow a smaller, targeted amount each time, focusing on one or two urgent projects at a time. This approach was used successfully by Lake Washington School District (WA) to build trust: smaller ballots pass more easily, and you deliver results faster.

How It Works:

  1. Create a rolling schedule of limited-scope bonds (e.g., $30–$50 million each).

  2. Allocate bond proceeds strictly for top-priority repairs (roofs, HVAC, structural).

  3. Once voters see tangible improvements, propose the next micro-bond for the following must-fix items.

2. Certificates of Participation (COPs) — California’s Fast-Track Method

What & Why: A lease-financing workaround used in places like San Diego Unified, where time-sensitive repairs can’t wait on a big bond.

How It Works: The district “leases” property (like underutilized buildings) to a nonprofit entity.

  1. The nonprofit issues COPs to investors — effectively a loan secured by the lease agreement.

  2. The district uses the upfront money for urgent facility fixes and repays investors over time.

3. Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) — Pay for Repairs with Utility Savings

What & Why: Chicago Public Schools and others replaced ancient boilers, windows, and HVAC systems by contracting with an Energy Service Company (ESCO).

How It Works: ESCO provides the capital and completes the upgrades.

  1. The district repays them through energy savings realized from more efficient systems (lower heating bills, fewer repairs).

  2. No upfront cost to taxpayers, and it specifically targets decrepit infrastructure that hemorrhages money.

4. “Ed-Swap” with City or County — Monetize Underused Assets

What & Why: Some districts, like Denver Public Schools, swapped properties with local government to fund urgent facility fixes without leaning on one huge bond.

How It Works: The district trades or leases surplus or strategically located land/buildings.

  1. The city/county provides either direct capital or brand-new school facilities in exchange.

  2. The district frees up immediate cash for top-tier emergencies, and the city gets property for other public or development projects.

5. Short-Term Emergency Loans with Structured Payback (Detroit-Style Bridging)

What & Why: In true crises, some districts (e.g., Detroit schools) used short-term loans to fix nonnegotiable safety hazards, then refinanced later with smaller, more focused bonds.

How It Works: The district takes out emergency notes/loans to handle immediate capital catastrophes (e.g., burst pipes, asbestos removal).

  1. Repayment gets folded into a future micro-bond or other financing structure.

  2. We protect students now; buy time to craft a more transparent and accountable bonding strategy.