Yes on Measure K - a much-needed investment in Downey schools

In addition to my duties at the Downey Patriot, I’m also a licensed realtor. And one thing I’ve learned over the years is that people aspire to move to Downey for two reasons:

■ our safe neighborhoods

■ our fantastic public school system

Combine safe neighborhoods with excellent schools and you have a desirable place to raise a family. As a result, Downey’s property values exceed those of neighboring communities like Norwalk and South Gate. We pay a premium to live in Downey and are glad to do so.

Statistics show that Downey Unified School District is one of the best school districts in all of California. Downey teachers are well-paid and our children receive a quality education in return. Thanks to previous bonds, middle school and high school students are being instructed in modern facilities equipped with 21st century technology.

The same cannot be said for Downey’s elementary schools. Nearly all of Downey’s schools were built more than 70 years ago and most elementary schools don’t meet modern building codes or safety codes. Some contain hazardous materials including asbestos and lead pipes, while others may need to be retrofitted for earthquake safety.

Perhaps more concerning, Downey elementary schools lack basic security features that have become a necessity in today’s world.

To fix this, the Downey board of education is proposing Measure K, a $504 million bond measure that would generate approximately $20 million in annual revenue earmarked to upgrade Downey campuses.

I am voting yes.

Measure K would be funded by a special tax assessment on property owners, 5 cents per $100 assessed value. By law, the revenue can only be spent on approved projects.

What are those projects?

■ Install air conditioning inside classrooms that currently lack AC

■ Install security cameras, security fencing, and emergency communications systems

■ Install digital locks to prevent intruders from accessing classrooms

■ Reconfigure elementary school campuses to create a single point of entry

■ Make repairs to older classrooms including deteriorating roofs, plumbing, sewer, heating, ventilation and electrical systems

■ Upgrade older schools to meet health and safety codes, earthquake safety standards, and proper access for students with disabilities

■ Remove wood and support beams that have extensive termite damage and dry rot

■ Construct modern science labs and career technical facilities so students are prepared for college and in-demand careers in fields like health sciences, engineering, technology and skilled trades

■ Provide modern science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) labs at elementary school so that students are prepared for middle and high school

I don’t have kids yet but I am a homeowner, and I enjoy higher property values from living in a city with excellent public schools.

Measure K is an investment in our community and I encourage residents to vote yes.

Eric Pierce is editor of the Downey Patriot.