Chapter 4.8. Equipment Replacement Program of California Education Code >> Division 7. >> Title 3. >> Part 50. >> Chapter 4.8.

The Legislature finds and declares that it is in the interest of the people of the State of California to ensure the continuation of the quality of instructional programs in the California Community Colleges. The Legislature recognizes that in many community college districts high operational costs and limited district revenues have combined to restrict the ability of the district to provide for adequate equipment in instructional programs. It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this chapter that funds be allocated pursuant to the requirements of this chapter to provide for the necessary repair of instructional equipment and the replacement of instructional equipment that is outmoded. It is further the intent of the Legislature that an annual appropriation of state funds be made for this purpose in the annual Budget Act.

The Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges shall adopt rules and regulations for the allocation of funds appropriated for the purposes of this chapter, for the acquisition, maintenance, and replacement of equipment as appropriate to maintain or establish a high level of quality in the operation of instructional programs.

Allocations shall not be based on specific projects identified by the districts, except as provided in Section 84673, but on a general allocation formula that, in the judgment of the board of governors, reasonably reflects the needs of districts on a statewide basis. The board of governors shall establish criteria for the allocation of funds under this formula on the basis of its review of districts throughout the state.

(a) The board of governors may withhold up to 20 percent of the funds appropriated for the purposes of this chapter, for allocation to specifically identified projects where the board finds that the funds allocated to a district are not sufficient to fund a critically needed instructional equipment expenditure, or that special funding is necessary as a condition of a contribution from private business or industry pursuant to an instructional equipment expenditure.
  (b) The board of governors may allocate up to 5 percent of the funds withheld under subdivision (a) for purposes of review and administration costs incurred by the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges pursuant to that subdivision.

(a) The governing board of a community college district may expend funds allocated under the general allocation formula for any equipment acquisition, maintenance, or replacement necessary to the purposes of this chapter. Equipment expenditures made through funding under this chapter should ensure that students are able to obtain the desired level of knowledge in educational programs leading to their enrollment in four-year educational institutions or, for students in occupational education programs, to obtain the necessary skill and knowledge for entry into the work force.
  (b) Each community college district receiving funds under this chapter shall separately account for those funds and may spend the funds only for the purpose or purposes for which they are allocated. These funds may be utilized to obtain equipment by purchase, lease, or lease with an option to purchase.