State Schools Chief Jack O'Connell Calls for
New School Bond at School Facilities Hearing
SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell testified today at a hearing held by the Senate Select Committee on School Facilities. At the hearing he cited the need for a new school bond to meet the needs of California students in the 21st century.
"We speak often about preparing our children for the future, but achieving this goal will only increase in difficulty if our kids continue to learn in schools of the past," O'Connell said. "It is essential that we transition our schools from the old industrial model to the age of information and green technology, which frankly is where students today are already living."
O'Connell highlighted the need for additional school facilities funding by citing that California currently needs $9.7 billion to modernize school facilities and $200 million for career technical education facilities projects.
"There is an obvious need to improve school facilities throughout California, and we cannot afford to wait to meet this need," O'Connell continued. "I fully appreciate that we are still embroiled in a national economic downturn, but a school facilities bond would do much to further our long-term goal of creating a competitive workforce in California, as well as achieving the short-term goal of creating jobs and getting people back to work.
"Improving school facilities also goes hand in hand with increasing student achievement and closing California's persistent achievement gaps. Quality school facilities are a key to creating an environment in which all children can learn the skills necessary to become informed citizens and compete in the 21st century global economy.
"We absolutely must seek to create and maintain clean, safe, and sustainable school facilities that are centers of their communities and not overcrowded. We must also construct attractive food service centers to encourage kids to eat healthy meals. These are all critical components in our efforts to ensure that all children in our state have the same opportunities for high-quality learning and a shot at future success."
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Jack O'Connell — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5206, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100
Communications Division, Room 5206, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100