Should the state of California borrow $10 billion to fund upgrades for thousands of aging public schools and community colleges?
2024 Ballot Measures
The Southern California News Group is breaking down what ballot measures are being proposed to California voters in November. Click here to find the full list of statewide propositions on the 2024 ballot, and learn more about them.
That’s what is being asked of voters with Proposition 2, a bond measure that would provide $8.5 billion in funding for construction at TK-12 schools and $1.5 billion for community colleges.
The last time districts received a state funding boost for infrastructure improvements was through Prop. 51 in 2016, which authorized $9 billion in bonds. This money has now all run out, and districts are eager to start work on scores of already approved projects — totaling over $3.5 billion in estimated costs — that are awaiting funding.
Most major school districts in the state are in support of the measure, which they say will provide direly needed dollars for overdue upgrades and ensure a safer learning environment for students. This includes the Los Angeles Unified School District, San Diego Unified School District and Long Beach Unified School District.
The bond sets aside 10% of funding for smaller school districts, but some of these smaller districts — including the Lennox School District, Lynwood Unified School District and South Whittier Unified School District — say this isn’t enough money and doesn’t prioritize distribution based on equity and financial need.
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