Don’t be confused by Prop. 13 — vote yes

All students deserve a safe, welcoming, and stimulating learning environment that supports personal well-being and academic success. However, in California, a substantial number of students are attending schools that are run down, out dated, and don’t meet 21st century learning needs.

That’s why the Sonoma County Board of Education supports Proposition 13 on the March 3 ballot. Prop 13, its number is merely a coincidence to the iconic property tax measure, would provide $15 billion in bond funds to renovate and upgrade existing school facilities. Nine billion dollars would go to K-12 public schools, with the remaining for public colleges and universities. Among the many uses of the funds would be creating career technical education facilities to improve job and career training, testing and re-mediating lead from water to provide clean drinking water at schools, and providing disaster assistance at times of critical needs.

Prop 13 has nothing to do with property taxes. California’s schools are grossly underfunded. A yes vote on Prop 13 at least ensures students will attend schools that are safe and modern.

— Gina Cuclis, Boyes Hot Springs