Pacific Charter School Development

Expanding educational opportunities for students in under-resourced communities

PCSD

PCSD Interns: Unveiling the World of Accounting: Lunch and Learn with Lili Huang, Principal of CLA

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In the world of finance and business, accounting plays a pivotal role in ensuring smooth operations, financial stability, and compliance. Recently, we had the privilege of meeting Lili Huang, Principal at CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA), during a lunch and learn session. CLA, renowned for its expertise in auditing, consulting, tax, and wealth advisory services, has been our trusted auditing firm. Lili’s journey in accounting, her commitment to diversity, and the significance of accounting in various sectors left us enlightened and inspired.

A Path Paved with Passion

Lili opened the lunch and learn by sharing her personal career journey, which began with a high school internship at an accounting firm. This experience ignited her passion for accounting and set her on a path that spans more than 18 years in the industry. Even during her college years at UCSB, Lili continued her internship at the same firm while earning a degree in economics with an emphasis on accounting. This early exposure cemented her dedication to the field and laid the foundation for her subsequent success.

Championing Change and Diversity

As a member of the board of CalCPA, Lili is actively involved in initiatives that aim to change the perception of the accounting profession. Breaking stereotypes and promoting diversity is a primary focus for the organization and Lili herself. By encouraging underrepresented groups to pursue accounting careers, she hopes to create a more inclusive profession and organization.

Navigating the Career Ladder

Lili shed light on the various job levels within CLA, from associates to managers/directors, and ultimately to principals like herself. Her commitment to mentoring and guiding her colleagues fosters an environment of growth and development. Providing employees with opportunities to flourish in their careers, Lili exemplifies true leadership and support in the workplace.

The Nitty-Gritty of Accounting

During the session, Lili delved into the different aspects of accounting, demystifying some of the most fundamental concepts. From understanding the nuances of debit and credit to deciphering the differences between accrual and cash accounting, her presentation was insightful for both accounting novices and veterans.

Power of Auditing

A significant part of Lili’s work revolves around auditing nonprofit organizations and charter schools. She highlighted the critical role audits play in ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance within these institutions. Through thorough examination and validation of financial records, audits safeguard the interests of stakeholders and contribute to the overall integrity of organizations.

Embracing Taxation

Finally, Lili touched upon the complex world of taxes. She explained how meticulous tax planning and compliance are essential for businesses and individuals alike. Understanding the intricacies of tax regulations can help organizations optimize their financial strategies and minimize tax liabilities.

Our lunch and learn with Lili Huang, Principal of CLA, was both educational and motivating. Her passion for accounting, dedication to promoting diversity, and commitment to mentoring others left a lasting impression. As we reflect on the invaluable insights she shared, we are reminded of the indispensable role accounting plays in shaping the financial landscape of organizations and society as a whole.

 

PCSD Interns: Building Dreams for the Future: Exploring EPI Construction’s Charter School Construction Project in South Los Angeles

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Recently, we had the privilege of meeting with Gary Blackwell, the visionary behind EPI Construction, at one of their charter school construction sites in South Los Angeles. There, we were introduced to Eric Marable, the dedicated Site Supervisor, who has been an essential part of Gary’s team for nearly 25 years. The construction project is aimed at providing a state-of-the-art educational facility for a middle school, catering to grades 5 to 8. As we embarked on a comprehensive tour of the site, we were left in awe of the passion and attention to detail displayed by both Gary and Eric.

The tour began at the drop-off and pick-up zone, where we were welcomed by captivating building mock-ups, crafted by Eric himself, utilizing his background in art and design where he honed his skill at Otis College of Art & Design. Eric enthusiastically explained the layout of the project, which utilized both in-house staff and subcontractors, ensuring the school’s completion with utmost efficiency.

Eric’s expertise guided us through the construction process, highlighting significant milestones such as the creation of a subterranean parking garage, dedicated to teachers and staff. This parking structure serves as one of the initial stages in projects like these. Another notable feature was the incorporation of water tanks to harvest rainwater, nurturing the school’s landscape and minimizing runoff onto the streets.

Timing and Challenges

One intriguing aspect of our conversation with Eric was the strategic timing required for ordering various items, with some taking up to 12-18 months to arrive. From elevators to lighting fixtures and electrical panels, meticulous planning is essential to ensure a seamless construction process and timely completion.

Exploring the School

As we ascended through the school, starting from the subterranean garage to the first floor, we were impressed by the administrative and lobby spaces. Moving up to the second floor, we marveled at the abundance of natural light flowing into the 20+ spacious classrooms through large windows, creating a conducive learning environment. The third floor offered additional classrooms, featuring sunroofs in the hallways.

Our journey concluded on the rooftop, where we were treated to a breathtaking view of Los Angeles, including the vibrant downtown area. Here, we learned about the roofing materials’ evolution over the years, transitioning from asphalt to a reflective white material that effectively dissipates heat.

Impactful Insights from Gary Blackwell

Following the tour, Gary generously shared his personal journey, inspiring us with his career trajectory. Initially pursuing pre-med, an internship at a hospital led him to reevaluate his path. Gary emphasized the importance of exploring various experiences and internships to discover one’s true calling. Through perseverance and hard work, he found his passion in construction, establishing his own firm, Blackwell Construction, before acquiring EPI Construction, and eventually his third company, BDI Construction.

Our day with Gary Blackwell was both insightful and inspiring. Witnessing the dedication and expertise in constructing a modern educational facility left us with a profound appreciation for the construction industry’s transformative power. The upcoming charter school is set to enrich the lives of students, teachers, and the community, creating a lasting impact for generations to come. We are grateful for the opportunity to have shared this remarkable experience and look forward to witnessing the fruition of their efforts as the 2023-2024 school year approaches.

PCSD Interns: Navigating Charter School Finance: Insights from a Day with Brian Holman at MusickPeeler

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In today’s rapidly evolving world, the digital age and the pandemic have caused significant shifts in the work environment across industries. In the realm of charter schools, understanding their financing options is crucial to their growth and success. Recently, we had the opportunity to meet with Brian Holman, a partner at MusickPeeler LLP, specializing in charter school finance. Our day was packed with insightful experiences, from exploring the changing landscape of MusickPeeler’s offices to diving deep into a Charter School Finance 101 presentation. In this blog post, we will share our key takeaways and what we learned about putting together a successful charter school facility finance structure.

The Changing Work Environment

We kicked off our day with a tour of MusickPeeler LLP’s offices in downtown Los Angeles. Amidst the digital age and the pandemic, we observed the impact on their workspace. Numerous bookshelves stood nearly empty, a testament to how much information has migrated online. Nevertheless, the library still held a collection of valuable reference books, specifically focusing on various court cases.

Charter School Finance 101

Returning to PCSD’s offices, Brian Holman commenced his presentation on Charter School Finance 101. He began by discussing the different financing sources available to charter schools, ranging from donations to hard money loans. As nonprofits, charter schools have access to various types of donations, including contributions from individual donors and both private and public grants. We delved into an overview of financing sources like New Market Tax Credits, bond financings, bank and institutional loans, as well as federal and other government loans.

Building a Charter School Facility Finance Structure

One of the most valuable aspects of our day with Brian was gaining a clear understanding of the process of building a charter school facility finance structure. Through visual aids and insightful explanations, we were able to grasp the complexities involved. Brian concluded the presentation with some indispensable facility financing tips, emphasizing the importance of keeping one’s legal matters in order, involving legal counsel early in the process, thoroughly reading all agreements, and staying vigilant to avoid legal pitfalls.

Real-Life Example: A Charter School Facility Financing Deal

After lunch during which we learned more about Brian’s background and his journey into the legal field, we delved into an illustrative example of a charter school facility financing deal. We reviewed term sheets, loan agreements, and various loan documents, gaining valuable insights into how different parties collaborate throughout the process. It was fascinating to see how a charter school financing deal typically unfolds over 3-5 months, requiring careful attention to detail and collaboration among various stakeholders.

Understanding Corporate Organizations

To round out our enlightening day, we explored the different types of corporate organizations. Sole proprietorship, partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and nonprofits all offer distinct advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these options can play a vital role in shaping a business’ structure.

Our day with Brian Holman at MusickPeeler LLP provided us with invaluable insights into charter school finance. Understanding the various financing sources available to charter schools and the process of building a successful charter school facility finance structure is essential for their growth and sustainability. We extend our sincere gratitude to Brian for sharing his expertise and making this day an enlightening and enriching experience.

PCSD Interns: Understanding Insurance Coverage: Insights from High Ground Insurance Services

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In the fast-paced world of construction, insurance plays a crucial role in mitigating risks and protecting both contractors and clients. Recently, we had the pleasure of meeting with Greg Martin, an expert from High Ground Insurance Services, Inc., who provided invaluable insights into the various types of insurance coverage and their importance to the work we do. In this blog post, we’ll delve deeper into our discussion.

Different Types of Insurance Agencies and Services

During our lunch and learn session, Greg Martin enlightened us about the diverse range of insurance services available in the market. It became apparent that choosing the right insurance is essential for ensuring adequate coverage tailored to the specific needs of individuals, companies, and, more specifically, construction projects.

Understanding Insurance Terminology

One of the highlights of our conversation with Greg was gaining a deeper understanding of insurance terminology. Greg patiently explained each type of insurance, providing real-life examples that resonated with our work at PCSD. We explored crucial coverage types, including general liability, worker’s compensation, auto liability, non-owned auto liability, hired auto liability, commercial umbrella, and commercial excess liability.

Impact of Statewide Regulations on Insurance

One eye-opening revelation from our discussion was the significant influence of statewide regulations on insurance coverage. Greg emphasized the importance of being aware of local regulations, as they can vary widely and have a profound impact on the insurance requirements. Compliance with these regulations is crucial to avoid legal complications and ensure comprehensive coverage.

Builder’s Risk Insurance

For PCSD, one key type of insurance that emerged as a top priority before commencing construction is builder’s risk insurance. Greg stressed the importance of this coverage, which protects against risks and losses during the construction process. To secure builder’s risk insurance, completion of an extensive questionnaire is required, ensuring that all potential risks are thoroughly assessed and addressed.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Greg Martin for generously sharing his expertise with our intern. His insights have significantly enhanced our understanding of insurance coverage for construction projects. We are grateful for his time and commitment to educating professionals in the industry.

PCSD Interns: Exploring the Architectural Realm: A Day at Berliner Architects

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Architecture is an art that shapes our physical environment, blending aesthetics and functionality to create spaces that inspire, uplift, and leave a lasting impact. Our intern recently had the opportunity to step into the world of Berliner Architects, where we were warmly welcomed by Richard Berliner, the firm’s Principal, Rahel Zewdu, senior associate/project manager, and Tony Armer, senior project manager. This immersive experience provided us with a unique insight into their career journeys, the inner workings of an architect’s office, and the importance of client collaboration. Join us as we recount this enlightening day filled with inspiration and architectural wonders.

Unveiling Remarkable Career Journeys

Our encounter with Richard Berliner was inspiring. With a degree in architecture from RISD, he embarked on an ambitious path, overcoming obstacles and eventually founding his own firm. His journey resonated with us, illustrating the importance of perseverance, passion, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.

Rahel Zewdu, senior associate/project manager at Berliner Architects, shared her remarkable career progression, which showcased the diverse roles architects can undertake. Rahel’s transition from drafting plans to project management illuminated the multi-faceted nature of the profession. Her unwavering dedication to bringing visionary designs to life left us in awe, igniting a deeper appreciation for the intricate work architects undertake.

Tony Armer, a seasoned architect with a wealth of experience, brings a unique perspective to the team at Berliner Architects. Although he didn’t pursue a formal degree in architecture, his unwavering passion led him down a remarkable path. Tony’s journey started after high school, where his true calling emerged when he found himself drawn to the world of architecture. Tony honed his skills through hands-on experience, working for an architect in Malibu on residential projects before venturing into the realm of commercial work.

Observing the Inner Workings

As we delved deeper into the architect’s world, we were granted a glimpse into the inner workings of Berliner Architects. The modeling room, where designs came to life through intricate models, was a testament to the firm’s commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring innovative solutions. The resource library, filled with design references and materials, provided a rich source of inspiration, fueling the creative process.

A Gateway to Collaboration: The Client Meeting

One of the highlights of our visit was observing a client meeting between Berliner Architects and one of PCSD’s partner schools. Witnessing the collaborative dynamics and the client-centric approach was a transformative experience. It reinforced the importance of effective communication, understanding client needs, and integrating the input of all stakeholders. The meeting underscored the architect’s role as a facilitator, translating visions into tangible spaces that meet the unique requirements of each client.

Key Lessons Learned

Throughout our day at Berliner Architects, we absorbed invaluable lessons that will shape our journeys. We learned that relationships are the foundation of success, listening to client needs is paramount, and engaging with the community is essential to create spaces that resonate with people’s lives. Additionally, we discovered the transformative potential of digital tools and technologies in enhancing the architectural process, streamlining workflows, and promoting sustainability.

Our visit to Berliner Architects was a remarkable experience that immersed us in the world of architecture. Richard Berliner, Rahel Zewdu, and Tony Armer’s stories and insights inspired us to dream big and pursue our passions relentlessly. Witnessing the collaborative process and observing the architect’s role in client meetings provided invaluable lessons in effective communication and client-centered design. We left Berliner Architects with a renewed sense of purpose, eager to make a meaningful impact on the world around us.

PCSD Interns: Exploring the Inner Workings of Commercial Bank of California

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Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a bank? Recently, our intern had the incredible opportunity to delve into the inner workings of one of our esteemed banking partners, Commercial Bank of California. With a comprehensive itinerary, they had the privilege of meeting team members from various departments, including client relations, operations, SBA, compliance, CRA, lending, credit, and even members of the C-suite. The visit not only provided valuable insights into the banking business but also offered a glimpse into the personal career journeys of these dedicated professionals. Join us as we explore the experiences of our intern and gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted operations at Commercial Bank of California.

Client Relations, Operations, and SBA: Building Strong Relationships and Supporting Businesses

During the visit, our intern had the opportunity to meet team members from client relations and operations, who emphasized the bank’s commitment to top-notch customer service. These dedicated professionals employ a white glove treatment, ensuring that every client receives exceptional support and attention. Additionally, the Small Business Administration (SBA) team shared valuable insights into their role in supporting riskier ventures through guaranteed loans, ultimately empowering small businesses to thrive.

Compliance, CRA, and Credit: Navigating Regulations and Evaluating Loans

The visit also shed light on the crucial departments responsible for compliance, CRA (Community Reinvestment Act), and credit. Compliance officers play a vital role in ensuring that the bank adheres to all financial institution regulations, protecting both the bank and its customers. The CRA team actively invests in communities that the bank serves, organizes financial literacy sessions, and engages in volunteer activities. Furthermore, the Credit Division carefully evaluates loans, analyzing financial statements and appraisals, to support businesses seeking financing.

C-Suite and Personal Career Journeys: Insights from Visionary Leaders

We had the opportunity to meet several members of the C-suite, including Chris Colella, the Chief Credit Officer, and Mark Yoon, the Chief Financial Officer. Their leadership and expertise guide the bank’s operations, ensuring its profitability and success. Additionally, hearing the personal career journeys of these professionals emphasized the value of continuous learning and adaptability in the banking industry.

The intern’s visit to Commercial Bank of California provided a unique and enriching experience, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of the bank. From client relations to compliance, credit, and the C-suite, the dedicated professionals showcased the bank’s commitment to exceptional customer service, community reinvestment, risk management, and financial success. Their personal career journeys highlighted the diverse paths one can take within the banking industry. Commercial Bank of California stands as a testament to the vital role banks play in supporting businesses and individuals, while also nurturing the professional growth and development of their own employees.