School bonds have been and continue to be the primary funding mechanism to build new school facilities and address major repairs and upgrades. Bonds allow school districts to accommodate smaller class sizes and keep vocational labs up to current industry standards. Safety and health issues are also addressed with school bonds.

School bonds remain key to keeping Lake County school facilities on par with schools throughout the region and state. The children in Lake County deserve to attend schools that are able to access 21st century instructional strategies.

Our local communities should be involved in the bond process by helping to set district priorities. Additionally, most local school bonds require a citizen’s oversight committee to assure the community that the school district is spending the bond revenues appropriately.

It is important to support our children and our schools by voting for state and local school bonds. Please hold school districts accountable for the safety and outcomes of our children, the performance of our schools, and the protection of our facilities. Vote yes on Measure Y in Konocti Unified School District, and help our local districts leverage resources by voting yes on Proposition 51.

Brock Falkenberg is the superintendent of schools for Lake County, Calif.