After years of neglect and underfunding, the state of California’s schools is a critical issue that requires immediate attention. Dilapidated buildings, overcrowded classrooms, and unsafe conditions have become the norm for many school districts across the state. A recent report by the Public Policy Institute of California revealed that 38% of K-12 students are attending schools that fail to meet the state’s minimum safety standards. This alarming statistic poses a serious threat to the well-being and academic success of students.
The lack of dedicated resources and the absence of new state school bond measures for nearly ten years have left California schools in a precarious position. Unlike other states, California does not have a steady funding stream for school facility investments, leaving districts dependent on sporadic state or local bonds for upgrades. As a result, the state’s school repair fund is projected to be depleted by January, leaving many schools unable to address critical repairs or improvements.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, has witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by California schools in securing funding for essential renovations. While billions of dollars were allocated for school construction and modernization from the last state bond, these funds were insufficient to meet the vast needs of California’s educational infrastructure. With the imminent depletion of the school repair fund, the situation is dire for schools, particularly those in low-income communities.
Proposition 2, a bond measure on the upcoming November ballot, aims to address the pressing need for facility renovations in TK-12 schools and community colleges. This proposition would provide $8.5 billion for school facility upgrades and $1.5 billion for community college renovations. The proposal is a crucial step towards ensuring that all schools in California meet basic 21st-century facility standards, including heating and air conditioning systems, leaky roofs, and hazardous mold remediation.
One of the key features of Proposition 2 is its focus on equity and prioritizing funding for districts with higher numbers of disadvantaged students. The measure includes provisions to allocate funds to smaller school districts that struggle to raise local bond money for repairs. Additionally, the formula for distributing state funding gives higher matches to low-wealth districts and those with a significant percentage of English learners and foster youth.
Beyond addressing the critical infrastructure needs of schools, Proposition 2 is also expected to stimulate economic growth by creating thousands of construction jobs statewide. This infusion of funding not only benefits students and educators but also has the potential to revitalize local economies across California.
In conclusion, Proposition 2 is a vital investment in the future of California’s education system. By providing much-needed resources for facility upgrades and repairs, this measure offers hope for schools facing significant challenges. Superintendent Thurmond emphasizes the urgency of passing Proposition 2 to ensure that all students have access to safe, modern learning environments that support their academic success. Let’s come together to support our schools and secure a brighter future for California’s students.
Tony Thurmond is California’s superintendent of public instruction and a candidate for governor in 2026. The opinions expressed in this commentary represent those of the author. EdSource welcomes diverse points of view in commentaries. If you would like to submit a commentary, please review our guidelines and contact us.
