Proposition 2, a ballot measure that would approve crucial educational bonds proposed to aid in amending and repairing California K-12 schools and community colleges, will be on the ballot this November for California voters.

The problem is simple— California schools are falling apart. Our public schools and community colleges are outdated and make learning unsafe for students. Failing to reach our students’ needs, the state of California schools are negatively affecting their learning outcomes and are hindering their educational growth.

With money for our public schools and community colleges already dwindling, Prop 2 proposes education bonds that would provide $8.5 billion for K-12 schools and another $1.5 billion for community colleges, $10 billion in total. The money would be purposed to construct new facilities and renovate current buildings that are in dire need of assistance.

While Prop 2 aims to provide important aid to schools, it does come with its setbacks. Many have complained that prop is too costly.   However, there will be annual audits that verify that taxpayer money used to pay off the money borrowed to prepare our schools, is being used properly and in the right areas.

Furthermore, the proposition’s funding plan is designed so that wealthier districts and schools will have to contribute more money to matching grants ensuring that lower wealth districts are not left behind. Prop 2 aims to modernize facilities, as it will invest in career and technical education, improving California’s vocational education, upgraded technology and infrastructure within schools, and removing lead from drinking water making it more safe.

It remains true that California schools are suffering from a lack of funding, and the need for the money that would be provided by Prop 2 is simply too real. The proposition provides a good first step in the right direction for California schools. Proper education and educational facilities are crucial to the future of our society and it is our job to ensure that we provide them for our students so that they may create opportunities for themselves in the future.