Article by Carolyn Jones, CalMatters

California lawmakers reached an agreement on a $10 billion bond measure for the November 2024 ballot to fund repairs and modernization for K-12 schools and community colleges. The funding aims to address urgent safety hazards like dry rot and mold, particularly helping small or low-income districts through a specialized sliding matching scale. However, critics argue the distribution method still disproportionately favors wealthier districts with higher property values.

“This money is badly needed,” said Rebeca Andrade, superintendent of Salinas City Elementary District in Monterey County. “We don’t have the money to make the basic, structural repairs that are needed at every one of our schools. Students need safe spaces to learn if they’re going to reach their full potential.”