Proposition 55 No Help to Teachers and Students

I could hardly believe my eyes. “Campaign Backs Bond for Schools” (Dec. 19) reports that $10 billion proposed under Proposition 55 for new K-12 school construction and repairs is in part to convert the existing school calendar to a traditional school year. If we are going into an ever-increasing debt spiral, our money should be used as wisely as possible. What about more teachers with better pay, teachers’ aides and new computers and labs for the kids? Structurally sound existing schools ought to be used as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Even on the present school calendar, these schools are vacant for 16 hours a day, with the exception of some adult night classes. Who gains the most from massive site acquisition and construction money? I bet it’s not the students and teachers.

Darryl Leemon

Malibu