PD Editorial: Yes on J, K: Investing in local schools

California grew from 10.5 million residents in 1950 to almost 34 million in 2000. School enrollment grew with the population, and thousands of new schools were built to meet the demands of a growing state.

The state is still growing, albeit at a much slower pace. And many of its schools are showing signs of age. Roofs are leaking, plumbing is deteriorating, and wiring isn’t adequate for classroom technology needs in the information age.

School districts typically seek authority to borrow to address costly renovation and remodeling needs. California voters have proven generous, approving about 80 percent of school bond proposals since 2001.

Among the four school bonds on the Nov. 4 ballot are Measure J, a $2.5 million bond act in Petaluma’s Cinnabar School District, and Measure K, a $6 million bond act in Sebastopol’s Oak Grove Union School District. Each requires a 55 percent majority for approval.

It has been our practice to support school bond measures, and this year is no exception.

California’s economy needs a steady supply of educated individuals, and our children deserve the same opportunities their parents and grandparents had to prepare for prosperous lives at safe, modern and well-equipped public schools.

Cinnabar is a single-school district, founded in 1859 and serving about 225 students in grades K-8. The district has no bond debt, and, in fact, this is the first time it has gone to the voters with a bond measure.

The project list includes classroom renovations, technology upgrading physical education facilities that also are available for community use and improvements to drop-off and pick-up areas.

Annual repayment costs are estimated at $30 per $100,000 of assessed property value.

Founded in 1854, Oak Grove is the second oldest continuing school district in the state. From its roots as a small school with fewer than 20 students, it has grown into an 850-student district with two campuses, a home-school program, a preschool and a charter secondary school offering online courses.

Through Measure K, the district is seeking funds for such projects as replacing aging portable buildings, modernizing classrooms and restrooms, energy efficiency and technology. Annual repayment costs are estimated at $30 per $100,000 of assessed value.

The primary arguments against these proposals come from the Sonoma County Taxpayers Association, which contends that school districts should save instead of borrow for facilities upgrades and that long-term loans are a bad way to pay for technology, which might wear out or become obsolete before the debt is fully retired.

The arguments have merit, but they overlook the fact that the state’s financing mechanism has left schools scrimping to cover operating costs. In many districts, class sizes have grown, labs are ill-equipped and extracurricular programs have been cut back. What else should be cut, and for how long, to save for a new roof or an electrical system that can accommodate modern class technology?

Oak Grove taxpayers already are paying off bonds that have 10 years of debt service remaining. Ordinarily, we would like to see one bond retired before another is added. But these districts have immediate needs, and with low interest rates, this is a cost-effective time to borrow money for local schools.

The Press Democrat recommends approval of Measures J and K.