By: Eduardo Galindo, Copy Editor

On election day Nov. 5, 2024 Americans across the country had the chance to vote on different matters for national and local changes. For Millbrae citizens, however, there were ten state propositions as well as the Millbrae council member elections to consider. 

Of the ten propositions, the approved Proposition 2 draws the attention of many students and school staff. With the passing of Prop. 2 the state will have 10 billion dollars to improve k-12 schools and community colleges across the state for various infrastructure needs. The money will be split so that 4 billion will be distributed for renovation costs and 3.3 billion will be distributed for new construction and purchasing of land.

The money is much needed now since the last bond failed in 2020 and according to the Public Policy Institute of California, 38% of students do not go to schools that meet the minimum facility standards. 

Proposition 2 isn’t without its costs however. It uses bonds to pay for the new infrastructure costs which results in California paying $500 million each year for 35 years, an additional 7.5 billion to the original 10 billion dollars that California borrowed.

Despite this, many teachers and students are excited to see how Proposition 2 will improve schools. Mark Chan (12) a school cafeteria worker says, “I think the state that we find a lot of schools [in] today is broken down, and some money allocated to finishing the schools would benefit the students and teachers as well because then it would create a better learning environment.” 

Sharing the same sentiment, math teacher Molly Kovacs believes the proposition will create inspiring and comfortable places to learn. In addition, Kovacs states, “I hope that there are a lot of people involved in the decision process. When you make a decision that doesn’t include all the stakeholders, that doesn’t usually have the result you want. But I am excited to see improvements to our schools.”

Along with Proposition 2, Proposition 32 also had many students interested in it. Although it failed to pass, Proposition 32 would have increased minimum wage from 16 dollars per hour  to 18 dollars per hour. 

But Chan states, “Because we live in an area where the minimum wage is high even if the bill gets passed, it wouldn’t make a monumental difference.” To Chan’s point, many areas already have a minimum wage that is higher than 16 dollars per hour (the state minimum wage). 

However, Proposition 32 would have aided a lot of students that are starting to work. Government teacher Manansala says, “[Prop. 32] will likely have a negative impact on students, whether they’re working part-time, full-time, or just seasonally. With the growing rent and housing prices in our state (and especially the Bay Area), keeping the current minimum wage statewide will make it difficult for the youth and students to find their own living situations.”

In addition to propositions, the members of the San Mateo County Board of Education were also voted for in the elections. Trustee areas 4, 5, and 6 were up for election to candidates with new member Mike O’Neill joining area 5 (Pacifica to Millbrae and Burlingame) in January of 2025. Mike O’Neill, with his experience as the Pacifica School Board Trustee for 14 years, claims he wants to help deliver new services and curriculums to schools.

Looking for improvement for schools, Kovacs states, “As a teacher I hope to see them putting resources to our marginalized students and listening to students, teachers, and research about the best programs and resources to provide.”