# California spends hundreds of billions on education but can’t repair schools

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/california-spends-hundreds-of-billions-on-education-but-cant-repair-schools/
- Published: 2026-11-12T19:11:18+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-12T19:41:12+00:00
- Original publisher: Washington Examiner (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/beltway-confidential/4801796/california-spends-hundreds-billions-education-cant-repair-schools/
- Topics: Business, Elections, Markets, Politics

## Key points

- About three dozen districts may lose school repair bond votes.
- Visalia sought $158 million towards $600 million in repairs.
- Wealthier districts are more likely to access matching state funds.

## Summary

Around three dozen California school districts are on course to lose ballot votes for school repair bonds, despite asking for less funding than in previous election cycles. The shortfalls raise questions about why districts must rely on voter-approved borrowing when the state already spends heavily on education, and could leave ageing school buildings unrepaired.

Visalia Unified sought $158 million as the first step towards $600 million in repairs; 70% of its buildings are at least 50 years old. Districts with successful bond measures are typically wealthier and can access matching state funds, while less wealthy districts risk missing out if voters reject their proposals.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.