REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
August 4, 2026
FROM
MELANIE OROSCO, County Librarian, County Library
SUBJECT
Title
Acceptance of Gift from the Inland Empire Community Foundation
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Authorize the San Bernardino County Library to accept a gift from the Inland Empire Community Foundation, in the amount of $1,200,000, to be used to fund the Career Online High School program.
2. Approve establishment of a fund for the funding of Career Online High School by the San Bernardino County Library.
(Presenter: Melanie Orosco, County Librarian, 387-2220)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Promote and Fulfill the Countywide Vision.
Create, Maintain and Grow Employment Opportunities and Economic Value in the County.
Improve County Government Operations.
Operate in a Fiscally-Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
Foster Sustainable Development Through Strategic Partnerships.
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). A budget adjustment is not requested at this time but will be included in future budget reports presented to the Board of Supervisors (Board) for approval.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) administers charitable gifts that support critical county needs throughout the region. The IECF donor has designated this financial gift to provide enduring benefits to County Library users. Acceptance of the $1.2 million gift and the establishment of a dedicated special fund will allow the County Library (Library) to provide ongoing access to Career Online High School (COHS), an accredited online program that allows County residents to earn a high school diploma and career certification with an average of 30 participants graduating per year and over 200 graduates since implementation. The Library currently serves an average of approximately 30 participants annually at an estimated cost of approximately $1,300 per participant. Based on anticipated program costs and investment earnings, the dedicated special fund is expected to sustain the program for an estimated 20 years.
The dedicated special fund will provide a long-term funding source for the COHS, supporting educational and workforce development opportunities that help residents improve employment prospects, strengthen workforce readiness, and advance economic mobility throughout San Bernardino County. Participation is available to eligible adult residents who successfully complete the program's application and assessment process.
Since 2016, the California State Library has been the primary funding source for the COHS. In 2025, that funding ended, reducing the number of students the Library could support through existing property tax funding. Establishing the dedicated special fund will provide a sustainable funding source that enables the Library to continue providing eligible County residents access to the program. By increasing access to high school completion and career opportunities, the program will help residents improve their employment prospects, strengthen workforce readiness, and support long-term economic mobility throughout the County.
County Policy 06-01 and Standard Practice 06-01SP requires Board approval of gifts and donations having a value greater than $10,000.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Daniella V. Hernandez, 387-5455) on July 6, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Carl Lofton, Administrative Analyst, 387-5404) on July 6, 2026.