Giving Compass' Take:

• Celia Jaffe strongly argues that California’s students need and deserve safe, healthy, modern learning environments. 

• What support do schools in your area need? How can we provide proper facilities for our children? 

• Learn about the importance of facilities for charter schools. 

Our children spend up to a third of their time in school. It is our responsibility as California citizens to make sure they have a safe and healthy learning environment.

That is why California State PTA strongly supports Proposition 13, the $15 billion statewide bond on the March 3 ballot, that would authorize Funds to repair, modernize and construct facilities for K-12 schools, community colleges and universities. This measure does not raise state taxes.

It is unacceptable for our children to spend their school days with:

  • Dangerous asbestos and toxic mold.
  • Lead in the pipes making drinking water unsafe.
  • Insufficient electrical outlets to use for current technology needs.
  • Buildings not upgraded for earthquake safety.
  • All of our children deserve safe facilities that are well equipped to meet their academic and health needs.

This bond supports funding to upgrade facilities in case of earthquakes and other emergencies and to reopen schools following major disasters, including wildfires. It supports funding for space in schools for nurses and counselors to increase student access to health care and mental health services. Investments can also be made to modernize job, career and vocational training facilities, including for veterans returning from duty.

In past bonds, money was allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing larger and better funded districts to get at the head of the line. This bond makes safety, health and school district needs a priority component of the allocation process.

Read the full article about safe and healthy schools for California by Celia Jaffe at EdSource.