Preliminary results from the recent election indicate that nearly half of the school bond measures across California are on track to fail. This outcome has left many school districts facing significant challenges in addressing long-standing infrastructure issues, such as leaking roofs and broken air conditioning systems. Sara Hinkley, director of policy and research at UC Berkeley’s Center for Cities and Schools, described the results as shocking, noting that districts are now left with very few alternatives.
In total, 86 school districts placed bonds on the ballot last week, seeking approximately $12.4 billion for repairs and modernization. This amount is notably lower than in previous major election cycles, with school bonds totaling nearly four times that amount two years ago, most of which passed. As of late Tuesday, 50 bonds had passed or were leading, while the remainder were failing. A 55% majority is required for these measures to succeed.
Despite the statewide trend, school bonds in Los Angeles and Orange Counties performed well. Almost every measure in these regions is poised to pass, with undecided races still leaning toward approval as of November 11. In Los Angeles County, 10 districts sought about $1.2 billion, while two districts in Orange County sought $211 million. This success contrasts sharply with the struggles seen in other parts of the state.
District officials have attributed the poor performance in many areas to a shaky economy. Mays Kakish, superintendent of the Beaumont Unified School District, explained that families are tightening their budgets due to rising costs for gas, groceries, and utilities. Beaumont, one of the few districts in California with increasing enrollment, sought $86 million in funding. The district faces urgent needs, including 138 roof leaks reported last year and the replacement of 81 portable classrooms.
The 2024 state bond, known as Proposition 2, provided $10 billion for school construction and serves as an alternative funding source. However, districts must provide matching funds to access these resources. If a local bond fails, as is expected in Beaumont, the district may not qualify for Proposition 2 money. Most of the funds set aside for repairs under Proposition 2 are already allocated, leaving a long waiting list for maintenance projects.
John Affeldt, a managing attorney at Public Advocates, noted that the outcome was not surprising. He observed that bonds in wealthier areas, such as the Bay Area and Orange County, tend to seek larger amounts and pass, allowing those districts to secure matching funds from Proposition 2. Conversely, bonds in lower-income areas often seek less money and fail. Affeldt described this dynamic as an unfair system where those who have more get more.
Public Advocates is currently in a legal battle with the state over alleged inequities in Proposition 2. The firm is awaiting a decision on the state’s request to dismiss the case. Earlier this year, a judge denied the plaintiffs' request for an injunction but acknowledged they had a reasonable chance of succeeding on at least part of the case.
San Diego Unified School District experienced a contrasting success, with voters approving its $3.4 billion bond, the largest in California. This funding will support upgrades to swimming pools, performing arts venues, staff housing, air conditioning, and security systems. The average homeowner will pay $294 per year. School board vice president Sabrina Bazzo credited the success to strong community support, including backing from labor unions and the local taxpayers association, as the measure replaced a previous 2022 bond.
Visalia Unified School District near Fresno is facing a different reality, as its $158 million bond bid is trailing and expected to lose. Superintendent Kirk Shrum expressed disappointment over the potential loss of funding for upgraded bathrooms and new furniture. More than 70% of the district’s buildings are at least 50 years old, and a recent assessment estimated that total repairs would cost $600 million. The district chose to seek only the most urgent $158 million to make the bond more feasible.
Without the bond money, Visalia Unified will have to shift funds to cover repairs as they arise. Shrum stated that the district will never be able to get ahead of maintenance issues, resulting in a cycle of constant repair. He emphasized that while roofs can be patched repeatedly, there is a limit to how long such temporary fixes can last.
