Proposition 51 Public School Facility Bond

A proposed $9 billion bond will fund construction, modernization and renovation of buildings for schools and community colleges. This bond will be $17.6 billion, costing the state approximately $500 million a year. Most of the money goes to construction for public schools.

Pro

The $9 billion bond will be put into place. Schools will be able to update construction and provide better facilities for their community. This will relieve crowding and keep health standards up to date.

“I’m in education, so I’m biased to where the money should be spent. Some people see [a bond] as an issue, [but] most people prefer to see a slight increase in taxes for raising money for education,” history and Psychology teacher David Weyat said.

Anti

The bond will not be issued. No additional money will go to schools to make changes in their learning environment. Arguably, this will also not allow builders to benefit from taxpayers, according to The San Jose Mercury News.

Proposition 55 Tax Extension to Fund Education and Healthcare

Would extend income tax on singles with an annual income of $250,00 or households with a joint income of $500,000 for the next twelve years if passed and will fund education and healthcare.

Pro

Will extend the tax for the next twelve years. Funds could raise up to $6 billion per year, as seen since 2012, for the current income tax. This will also reduce budget cuts and fill the gap for funding left by the recession.

Anti

The tax will expire in 2019 and will be phased out starting in 2018 and funding will have to come from elsewhere.

“I do not support th[is] prop because … [i]t essentially is redistributing wealth,” sophomore Harrison Fukuji said. “I believe in small government and that taxes shouldn’t be raised on everybody just simply for education.”

Proposition 58 English Proficiency, Multilingual Education, Initiative Statute

Would repeal Proposition 227, thus authorizing classes to be taught in a non-English language, leaving multiple ways for English learners to learn English.

Pro

Repealing the old prop would make programs (English-only or bilingual) available for English learners in public schools.

Guardians would no longer have to sign waivers, making it easier for English Learner (EL) classes to be taught.

“I am definitely for the proposition; it’s beneficial for students … with no English to have access to a full curriculum. Even though we want them to learn English [fast], we want them to stay caught up in other subjects,” said Spanish teacher Jane Slater.

Anti

The old prop won’t be repealed and EL classes will stay the same.