Prop 2: California’s school construction plan

California’s $10 billion state law to be passed on Nov. 5 will reportedly help repair, upgrade, and construct facilities of public schools all over California. 

The proposition allows California to sell $10 billion in bonds to improve school health and safety conditions while financially helping disadvantaged and underfunded school districts. It is reported that $8.5 billion will go towards public schools, for renovation, new construction, new facilities, and charter schools. The other $1.5 billion will go towards funding community colleges.

The estimated cost to repay the bond would be around $500 million per year for 35 years, which would most likely be collected through the state general fund. This fund is what the state uses to pay for many public services including education, health care, and personal income. 

This new proposition may affect many school districts’ local costs, as new and improved schools with high-end facilities could have an impact on local housing prices.

While many have voted “Yes” in favor of Prop. 2, there are others who have opposed it. Arguments against Prop. 2 are based on the fact that it will increase California’s debt. The state already owes $78 billion to big banks and investors, thus raising taxes, which will be paid annually over 35 years.

On the other hand, the arguments in favor of Prop. 2 cite how too many California students attend schools that are in horrible condition. The proposition will ensure improvement. Prop. 2 will also not increase taxes as many believe, as it will only take money from the taxes that already exist and use them for school construction instead of their original use.

Supporters of Prop. 2 include the California Teachers Association, California School Nurses Organization, and the Community College League of California. The main opposition is the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

The outcome of Prop. 2 could determine the future of our local public schools and the cities surrounding them. We know that it will ultimately help fix and renovate public schools, but it could also increase housing prices in the surrounding areas. Do the pros of Prop. 2 outweigh the cons?