Academic facilities like Fairfax High School could receive funding for modernization if a $10 billion bond passes in November. (Beverly Press/Park Labrea News file photo)

This November, California voters will determine whether or not to move forward with $10 billion in bonds to modernize schools. The ballot measure would help pay for facility repairs, as well rehabilitation and construction of K-12 school buildings. A portion of the funds would also support community colleges.

This is not the first ballot attempt for school modernization in recent years. In 2020, a measure that would have set aside $15 billion for school facilities and public universities was rejected by state voters. It has been nearly a decade since the last bond updating schools was passed – a $9 billion package in 2016. Since 1998, California voters have OK’d $54 billion in state bonds for schools. Education leaders say that it is past time for additional funding.

“Over 100 of our schools have turned 100 years old in the past few years – increasing the need for investments to provide modern, innovative learning spaces,” Los Angeles Unified School District Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “A new state bond will help us continue to invest in projects that ensure every child has access to a safe and supportive school environment.”

An LAUSD spokesman expressed the district’s support for the ballot measure.

“Los Angeles Unified has serious unmet school facilities and technology needs and relies on both local and state matching bond funds to address these needs,” the spokesman said in a statement, emphasizing that the item meets many of Los Angeles’ “key priorities.” “California public school children need the state to continue to invest in their school facilities. In Los Angeles Unified alone, more than 60% of school buildings are over 50 years old and desperately in need of upgrades … “[This] will help schools across the state address the growing backlog of qualified school projects, the dire need to modernize and replace aging facilities and create spaces that promote 21st century learning.”

Among other advances, the funding would allow for schools to upgrade structures to meet growing climate-related threats.

The measure originated in the state Assembly, where it was co-sponsored by Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), who chairs the education committee.

“California urgently needs a statewide school bond to repair dilapidated and unsafe school facilities and to invest in our children to meet 21st century educational and workforce needs,” Muratsuchi said. “California has not passed a statewide school bond since 2016, and we are running out of bond funds … This bond measure will provide state matching dollars to local K-12 school districts throughout the state, with locally identified school facility priorities and local taxpayer accountability.”

“From our kindergarten classrooms to our local community colleges, California’s students deserve a safe learning environment,” Assemblyman Mike Fong (D-Alhambra) added.