Broken water fountains. Bathrooms out of service. Tagged walls. Desks scratched up or jiggling from missing parts.
These were some conditions of public schools attended by Cal State LA students interviewed recently.
That’s why many Eastside and South L.A. residents interviewed said that they support Prop. 2, a statewide measure on this year’s ballot that would allow $10 billion in bonds to be issued to repair and upgrade K-12 public schools and community colleges across the state.
If passed, Prop. 2 would also allow for more grants for school districts that are less financially well-off than others — and these bonds and grants would require public hearings, and the expenses would be audited to ensure the funds are used appropriately.
Prop. 2 opponents — including Assemblyman Bill Essayli, R-Corona, and Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association’s Jon Coupal — argue the measure will increase debt and result in higher property taxes, continue to ignore declining enrollment in K-12 schools and community colleges, and continue to give California residents even more debt to pay off. The bond would cost the state up to $500 million each year for 35 years and is planned to be paid by the state’s general fund, the account the state uses to pay for public services.
The full story can be found at BoyleHeightsBeat.com.