Issue:
Today the ability of local California school districts to raise funds
has been constrained by the two-thirds vote threshold for local school
bond measures. There is a movement underway to change this threshold to
a simple majority by placing this question before California voters on
the March 2000 ballot.
- California's public schools are crumbling. The state
faces an unmet need of nearly $40 billion in capital outlays for public
schools and universities.
- California is one of only four states to require a
two-thirds vote for approval of local school bonds.
- There is broad consensus that lowering the voter threshold
for local school bonds is the cornerstone to upgrading our public school
facilities.
Impact:
Software entrepreneur Reed Hastings and former head of the Technology
Network (TechNet) is partnering with the California Teachers Association
(CTA) to gather signatures to place an initiative on the state's March
2000 ballot. These proponents argue that lowering the vote requirement
is fair and the only way local schools can fill the enormous unmet need
for school facilities. They cite the following to explain their position:
- Many districts have failed in their attempts to secure
funding for the improvement of their facilities.
- Since 1982, only 48% of local school bond measures
have passed under the current system while 92% would have passed under
majority vote.
- A major investment in modernization is essential to
enable schools to use computers and other technology as part of their
instructional program.
- Deterioration of our public school classrooms is evident:
- Many have only one or two electrical outlets, and
no telephone connections.
- Many have insufficient infrastructure - such as phone
lines, conduit, and power - for data, voice, and video systems.
Position:
Cisco endorses the concept of a simple majority for local school bonds.
We support the organizers of this initiative because we believe California
voters should be permitted to decide this important question. We are joined
in our support by numerous other prestigious organizations throughout
the state such as the American Electronics Association, the California
Chamber of Commerce, California Business for Education Excellence, and
the Technology Network - all of which Cisco is a member.
Fast Facts:
- A report by the General Accounting Office found 87%
of California schools need to upgrade or repair on-site buildings.
- Before the year 2005, many new schools will have to
be built to accommodate nearly a million new students.
- A $9.2 billion statewide bond was approved on the
November 1998 ballot, meeting 20% of the state's school facility needs
over the next several years.
- Bond funds are used to construct new school facilities
and modernize old ones, including updating electrical wiring, laying
cable, and other improvements needed to accommodate modern education
technology.
External Links:
A new webpage is devoted to this effort. You can find it at:
http://www.letsfixourschools.org/
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