More Than $2 Billion Approved for K-12 Schools

SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today commented on the voter support for 47* local school bond measures approved in yesterday's election:

"I am glad that the overwhelming majority of local school bond measures were approved by California voters, making students the real winners in yesterday's election. These bond funds will allow school districts to seek matching funds from the state of California to build new schools and modernize older facilities. These investments in California schools are a wise investment in our state's future."

Ninety-two percent of 50* local general obligation school bond measures that required a 55 percent approval rate were approved in Tuesday's election. Those 46 successful measures will provide $2.1 billion in local school construction funds.

Only one of three school bonds requiring a two-thirds-vote threshold was approved, providing an additional $4.5 million for local schools.

O'Connell is the original author of the voter-approved initiative to lower the approval threshold for school bonds to 55 percent, down from a minimum of two-thirds voter approval, in order to make it easier for communities to raise funds for local schools.

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* Update as of December 6, 2004: The number of local school bond measures that passed now equals 49 out of a total of 55, meaning 89 percent of the measures passed.