Proposition 13 (2020)

March 11, 2020

All but final: California voters reject $15 billion state school bond

One week after the March 3 election, Proposition 13 remains behind 46 to 54 percent, which appears too big a gap to make up.

John Fensterwald

March 6, 2020

Many voters sour on more bonds and taxes; preparing for Covid-19

This week: We explore questions as to why Proposition 13 appears likely not to pass; and Orange County Superintendent of Schools Al Mijares discusses how the county is preparing for the coronavirus.

EdSource staff

March 5, 2020

Post-Prop. 13: Why a likely winner may end up California election’s big loser

Several factors — confusion with a more famous 13, tax fatigue, anxiety over the stock market — may have led to the measure’s likely defeat.

John Fensterwald

March 3, 2020

California school construction bond is losing

Prop. 13 — unrelated to the better known tax cutting initiative in 1978 — would have helped K-12 districts, community colleges, CSU and UC with the cost of construction projects.

John Fensterwald

March 3, 2020

California election 2020: Democratic presidential primary and Prop. 13 school construction bond

EdSource will post the presidential primary and Prop. 13 results, by county, using our automated tracker. Check back for results.

EdSource staff

February 28, 2020

Pros, cons and confusion over $15 billion construction bond

This week: Jeff  Vincent, director of the Center for Cities and Schools at UC Berkeley, explains what Prop 13 would do and how the money would be distributed; and Chris Funk, superintendent of East Side Union High School District, lays out the case for teacher housing.

EdSource staff

February 27, 2020

Opinion: Big school bonds favor Wall Street bond brokers, not California’s school kids

State can use some of the budget surplus, instead of high-interest bond financing, to fund school repairs, state senator says.

Brian Jones

February 27, 2020

Building better schools and colleges: Californians argue for and against Prop. 13 on March 3, 2020 ballot

Proponents and opponents of the $15 billion state bond measure for K-12 and higher education facilities funding, share their views.

Guest authors

February 19, 2020

Opinion: California’s children cannot thrive in dilapidated schools

Statewide bond measure would provide for desperately needed renovation of old school buildings, supporters say.

Bina Lefkovitz and David W. Gordon

February 18, 2020

Opinion: Voters should reject this Proposition 13

The $15 billion bond measure is unnecessary and unwise, opponents say.

Jon Coupal

January 31, 2020

Quick Guide: What California voters need to know about proposed $15 billion school construction bond

The state bond will underwrite some construction costs of schools and universities, with extra help for low-income districts.

John Fensterwald

January 30, 2020

Voters can help deliver world-class education and thriving communities to students

Ballot measure proponents advocate for a new, ongoing source of funding for state's education priorities.

E. Toby Boyd

January 5, 2020

Opinion: California must invest in improving facilities for higher education

California’s public higher education system needs new investments to protect students’ health and safety.

Dick Ackerman and Mel Levine

January 3, 2020

Predictions, with a second opinion, on what will be big in 2020

John Fensterwald debates predictions for big events in California education in 2020 with Ryan Smith of the Partnership for LA Schools.

EdSource staff

November 7, 2019

For better or worse, school construction bond on March 2020 ballot will be Prop. 13

Backers and opponents of a $15 billion K-12 and college construction bond are wondering if association with infamous Prop. 13 will affect the vote.

John Fensterwald