$10 billion school construction bond on California ballot in November

The California legislature has voted to place a $10 billion school construction bond proposal on the November ballot.

The Los Angeles Times reports that if approved, Proposition 2 would enable the state to borrow $10 billion to help pay for repairs and upgrades at thousands of public elementary, middle and high schools and community colleges. A simple majority is needed for approval.

 

A wait list of districts are hoping the new bond will pass so that $3.4 billion of already approved projects can move forward.

 

Voters rejected a $15 billion school bond proposal in March 2020.

Community colleges would receive $1.5 billion of the bond proceeds, and elementary and secondary schools would get $8.5 billion.

 

To receive bond money, districts must win approval of a local bond and  then apply to the State Facilities Program for a funding match on a sliding scale--up to 65% for renovations and 55% for new construction.

 

Supporters say that the money is needed to improve the substandard conditions of many school facilities, and that changes in the way funds are distributed will make the process more equitable. Opponents of the bill include some low-wealth districts that say the proposal does not go far enough in addressing the equity gap that benefits affluent school districts.