School districts across the state are seeking to improve safety and sustainability by upgrading their facilities. This was discussed in an EdSource Roundtable titled “Election 2024: How voters can help repair California schools.” The discussion highlighted the potential impact of a $10 billion state bond and $50 billion in local construction bonds on the November ballot.
The San Lorenzo Unified Superintendent, Daryl Camp, emphasized the importance of creating a comfortable learning environment for students. He stated that students should not have to choose between uncomfortable school conditions or staying at home.
In November, California voters will have the opportunity to support school districts in obtaining funds for facilities through a $10 billion state bond and local bond measures. The state construction bonds require a 50% majority to pass, while local bonds need 55% of the vote.
The statewide bond would allocate $8.5 billion to K-12 schools and $1.5 billion to community colleges. Sara Hinkley from UC Berkeley’s Center for Cities and Schools mentioned that most funding for school facilities in California comes from local bond measures.
Districts can also apply for matching funds from the California School Facilities Program, but this funding is set to expire in early 2025 without additional support from voters. The discussion highlighted the importance of passing Proposition 2 to secure funding for school facility projects.
Panelists shared examples of how passing local bond measures had benefited districts. For instance, the Del Norte Unified School District focused on keeping out moisture following a tsunami and flood in 1964. However, some schools in the district now face issues like leaky roofs and open ceilings.
Hallie Lozano, a literacy coach at Dyer-Kelly Elementary, shared how their school was rebuilt to address poor infrastructure and security concerns. The upgrades not only improved the learning environment but also contributed to teacher retention.
Superintendent Sara Noguchi from Modesto City Schools emphasized the need to upgrade aging facilities to meet modern standards. San Lorenzo Unified Superintendent Camp highlighted the importance of addressing rising temperatures by installing air conditioning in schools.
As voters consider passing state and local bonds, superintendents must balance school needs with declining enrollments. Camp suggested repurposing facilities to meet the social-emotional needs of students and accommodate transitional kindergarteners.
Equity in the distribution of state funds was another key concern raised during the discussion. Panelists stressed the importance of ensuring fair access to resources for all students to support academic success. Fraley highlighted the need for fairness and equity in education to help California achieve academic excellence.