DemocracyRules.org - Electing Issues
Trustee Elections
These are the original issues in this subcategory
  • STEM FIELDS
  • TEACHER SHORTAGE
  • SCHOOL FACILITIES
Winning Issue » SCHOOL FACILITIES


Like much of our nation’s infrastructure, the average American public school is over 50 years old and past its expected lifetime. Most of our schools were built for the Baby Boom generation and more than a third of them need extensive repairs or complete rebuilding. Nationally, these construction cost estimates exceed $100 billion. However, when adding the cost of equipping schools with modern technology and green energy upgrades, this estimate nearly triples. Advocates say that when schools begin to deteriorate, student achievement does also. They say students learn best when taught in smaller classes and in adequate facilities equipped with technology and resources that help maximize their abilities and fulfill their potential. Currently, many of our public-school students attend overcrowded schools with broken bathrooms, poor ventilation, leaking roofs and sporadic electric power. These conditions, among others, have caused many American families to seek alternatives to placing their children in our public school system.

Pending Legislation: S.2608 - Rebuild America’s Schools Act of 2023
Sponsor: Sen. Reed, Jack (RI)
Status: Senate Committee on Finance
Chair: Sen. Ron Wyden (OR)



Options


  • I oppose reforming current school facilities policy and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Leader Charles Schumer (NY).
  • I support long-term improvements to public elementary and secondary school facilities to:

    1.) Set forth allocations to states and establish a need-based grant program for local educational agencies (LEAs) to improve school facilities. Further, the bill specifies allowable uses of grant funds, including carrying out major repairs, improving indoor air quality, and making facilities accessible to disabled individuals.

    2.) Require LEAs receive funds for new construction, modernization, or renovation projects to comply with hazard-resistance building codes and performance criteria under the EPA’s WaterSense program. Further, the bill requires LEAs to adopt certain green practices (environmental standards) and requires the use of iron, steel, and manufactured products that are made in the United States.

    3.) Restore school infrastructure tax credit bonds, and extend through FY2026 the Impact Aid Construction program.

    4.) Establish a grant program to assist LEAs with repairing or replacing concrete foundations affected by pyrrhotite (an iron sulfide material linked to crumbling foundations).

    And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Sen. Ron Wyden (OR) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.


Winning Option
  • I support long-term improvements to public elementary and secondary school facilities to:

    1.) Set forth allocations to states and establish a need-based grant program for local educational agencies (LEAs) to improve school facilities. Further, the bill specifies allowable uses of grant funds, including carrying out major repairs, improving indoor air quality, and making facilities accessible to disabled individuals.

    2.) Require LEAs receive funds for new construction, modernization, or renovation projects to comply with hazard-resistance building codes and performance criteria under the EPA’s WaterSense program. Further, the bill requires LEAs to adopt certain green practices (environmental standards) and requires the use of iron, steel, and manufactured products that are made in the United States.

    3.) Restore school infrastructure tax credit bonds, and extend through FY2026 the Impact Aid Construction program.

    4.) Establish a grant program to assist LEAs with repairing or replacing concrete foundations affected by pyrrhotite (an iron sulfide material linked to crumbling foundations).

    And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Sen. Ron Wyden (OR) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.
There has been $0.00 pledged in support of this issue
Trustee Candidates

If elected as a trustee, the campaign committee of Sen. Ron Wyden (OR) will be unconditionally awarded the funds pledged to this issue along with a letter requesting him to favorably consider passing S.2608 - Rebuild America’s Schools Act of 2023.

If elected as a trustee, National PTA will be awarded the funds pledged to this issue along with a letter requesting these funds be used to work and advocate for rebuilding America’s school facilities.

About: National PTA comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education.
To participate in the Trustee Election you must first pledge support to this issue.
Click here if you wish to make a pledge.
Trustee Election - Opening Date
December 23, 2024
Trustee Election - Closing Date
December 30, 2024