The latest from the YES campaign

SACRAMENTO, CA - Just one day after Proposition 2 passed, supporters of the $10 billion bond have spoken out, applauding Californians and expressing commitment to next steps. 

The measure, which passed with nearly 57 percent of the vote, comes at an essential time for school infrastructure, as previously approved bond money has been used, yet the need is greater than ever.

Prop 2 will make the most urgent repairs and upgrades for California’s public schools

SACRAMENTO - With nearly 57% of the vote, the Associated Press has called another statewide ballot measure. Californians have passed Proposition 2, the $10 billion investment to make sure students are safe and ready to learn.

SACRAMENTO, CA - The Yes on Prop 2, which will provide a $10 billion investment in California public schools  – without raising any taxes or fees – will not only ensure students have a safe learning environment but that local economies and communities are set up for success. That’s why Business organizations across the state have signed on in support of the measure. 

California newspapers are urging voters to support Proposition 2. From the biggest outlets in the state to community newspapers, the consensus is clear - schools are in need of essential upgrades and Proposition 2 is the answer. Here’s what they’re saying: 

“Voters should support this well-crafted measure to invest in California schools. It would modernize classrooms and campuses, many of which have gone for so long without upgrades and repairs that they could charitably be called neglected, if

Proposition 2: $10 billion in general obligation bonds for repair, upgrade and construction of K-12 and community college facilities. Voting yes will cost the state about $500 million annually for 35 years. With so many public schools needing assistance meeting new facilities standards and guidelines, this money is needed to keep up with the times and provide a solid foundation for our children’s future. It will provide immediate matching funds for local school

Redding, CA - In Northern California, elected leaders and education advocates join together in support of Proposition 2, the school bond measure on the November ballot that will help make the most urgent repairs and upgrades in our local public schools. 

“The need for upgrades and modernizations to schools in northern, rural California is acute, which is why I’m proud to join in support of Proposition 2, because it will help ensure our students have the learning environments they need to thrive"

Sacramento, CA - Earlier this year, students returned to school amongst some of the highest temperatures that have been recorded in California during August and September, yet many classrooms are without the tools to combat the heat. Proposition 2's newest ad, called “Beat,” highlights the need for upgrades across the state to help students beat these ongoing heatwaves. 

Proposition 2: Yes

Proposition 2 would provide $8.5 billion to K-12 schools and $1.5 billion to community colleges to renovate, fix and construct facilities. The money would be distributed through matching grants, with the state paying a greater share of costs for less affluent districts and those with higher numbers of English learners and foster youth. Some of the money would be set aside for removing lead from water, creating transitional kindergarten classrooms and building career and technic

Sacramento, CA - The California State Parent Teacher Association (California State PTA),which  reaches millions of parents and families through members, coalitions and partnerships, has announced their endorsement of Proposition 2.  

“California State PTA is a proud supporter of Proposition 2 because it directly aligns with our mission to positively impact the lives of children and families,” said Shereen Walter, President, California State PTA.

Sacramento - California State Treasurer Fiona Ma joins hundreds of organizations in supporting Proposition 2, the statewide school bond initiative that will provide a $10 billion investment in schools across the state. 

“California schools are in need of resources to make essential upgrades to ensure students are learning in safe environments,” said California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA.

Sacramento - California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, who has previously endorsed Proposition 2, announced today that more than 100 school districts across California have joined the effort to pass the historic investment in schools.

Thousands of California schools are in disrepair, waiting on critical upgrades to classrooms, roofs, plumbing and air-conditioning systems. But the state’s school repair fund is running out of money.

...Voters should support this well-crafted measure to invest in California schools. It would modernize classrooms and campuses, many of which have gone for so long without upgrades and repairs that they could charitably be called neglected, if not run-down.

Investment in school infrastructure has been lagging for decades since Prop. 13 was passed in 1978, limiting property tax increases. Property taxes were the major funding source for schools, and the state's investment hasn’t backfilled to cover the need. 

If approved, Prop. 2 will funnel $8.5 billion to TK-12 schools and $1.5 billion to community colleges to renovate, repair and construct facilities. 

The measure would make essential upgrades to schools throughout the Central Coast

SANTA CRUZ, CA - Central Coast leaders from Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, Monterey and Ventura counties are rallying behind Proposition 2, the statewide school bond initiative that will help schools across the state make critical improvements.

SACRAMENTO - Today, the Yes on Prop 2 campaign launched its statewide paid media campaign, with an ad that will run across digital platforms. The ad, called “First Day,” highlights the critical components of the measure that will provide resources to upgrade public schools across the state.

SACRAMENTO - In celebration of National Custodian Day, the Yes on Prop 2 to Repair Local Public Schools Campaign applauds the work of school custodians across California.

“While California urgently needs to pass Prop 2 to fund necessary upgrades to schools across the state, it is because of the hard work that school custodians do that so many schools have been able to sustain for so long without repairs,” said Alan Reising, Chair, Coalition for Adequate School Housing.

“For many students, four-year universities have become too expensive to consider. Thankfully, our community college programs and courses provide opportunities for middle-class Californians,” said Fred Diamond, Chair of Community College Facility Coalition and Director of Facilities and Construction at Citrus College. “Prop 2 will infuse critical funding into community colleges and expand access to quality, college education, job training and professional development.

Prop 2 will help districts — including those historically overlooked by state bonds — ensure students can learn in clean, safe and modern environments. 

Voters should approve Prop 2.

For too long, California’s local public schools have gone without essential repairs and upgrades and unfortunately, it’s our students who suffer the consequences. Luckily, we have the opportunity to improve the learning environment for students across the state and right here in San Diego, with Proposition 2.

Bay Area, CA - From the South Bay to Marin County, organizations across the Bay Area have joined in support of Proposition 2. The measure will make the most urgent repairs and upgrades in our local public schools by authorizing a $10 billion investment – without raising any taxes or fees – to make sure our students are safe and ready to learn.

Sacramento, CA - Equality California is the most recent statewide organization to join a growing number of groups across the state in support of Proposition 2.

The measure  will make the most urgent repairs and upgrades in our local public schools by authorizing a $10 billion investment – without raising any taxes or fees – to make sure our students are safe and ready to learn.

Sacramento, CA - Just two months after Prop 2 was put on the ballot, more than 120 organizations across party lines have signed on in support, showing the urgent need for investment in our schools.

Prop 2 is a broad based coalition supported by teachers, school nurses, the California Democratic and Republican parties, school districts, Boards of Education, the League of Women Voters of California, the California Labor Federation, business groups, and social justice organizations, among others.

The hotter it is, the harder it is for kids to learn. Parents across L.A. county school districts have long raised the alarm about poorly functioning or no air conditioning at all in their childrens’ classrooms.

What the research says

Kids are going back to school. The heat can hurt their learning.

For every one degree the temperature goes up, performance on standardized tests goes down by 1%, according to UCLA research. In schools without air conditioning, 90-degree days can reduce students’...

“For decades, too many of our schools have gone without the necessary electrical updates and air conditioned spaces to combat excessive heat,” said David Goldberg, President, California Teachers Association. “Prop 2 will provide schools with properly equipped facilities that will help keep their learning environment safe for our students and educators. With temperatures expected to soar in the 100s across Southern California, and hotter Septembers on the horizon, the time to act is now.” 

This is a common sense measure that should be approved. Public schools and community colleges will benefit from this funding. Prop 2 also ensures that funding only be used for projects approved by local school and community college districts. Vote YES on Prop 2.

The Sentinel Editorial Board recommends a Yes vote on Prop. 2 because children in California deserve school facilities that are in good repair. Providing no funding would hurt all students.

Two large bond measures will appear on California’s Nov. 5 statewide ballot. One proposes to fund long-delayed school improvements and the other responds to the consequences — such as massive wildfires, floods and droughts — of our changing climate. Both deserve voters’ support.

California voters will decide in the November election if they want to vote for a $10 billion bond for schools.

If approved, the $10 billion bond would be for new construction and modernization of the K-12 schools, in addition to community colleges. California lawmakers voted last week to place the $10 billion dollar bond on the November ballot.