Nearly one-third of the nation’s schools are aging, overcrowded and in need of replacement or extensive repairs, additions or upgrades. You need look no further than some of California’s schools to see the state of disrepair firsthand.

In fact, recent surveys show that 1 million children attend schools with bathrooms that don’t work. Our children deserve better.

Taxpayers have the power to address these issues and others at the polls. Proposition 55, which allows the state to issue $12.3 billion of general obligation bonds for construction and renovation of K-12 schools and higher education facilities, is part of the solution.

Proposition 55 is as much about protecting children’s safety as it is about ensuring they have facilities that contribute to optimal learning.

California needs to build more than 22,000 classrooms to relieve overcrowding and address increasing student enrollment. In order for school districts to move ahead, they need to have adequate classrooms. Without the bond, additions will be minimal. Estimated valley needs are:

Coachella Valley Unified, $34,055,162

Desert Sands Unified, $189,589,343

Palm Springs Unified, $68,241,202

Repairing dilapidated classrooms and building new ones with modern technology is one way -- though not the only way -- to help students improve test scores and meet higher learning standards.

Some opponents, including the National Tax-Limitation Committee and the 60-Plus Association, are crying foul. They say the state doesn’t need “new debt or higher taxes.”

But Proposition 55 is a general obligation bond that will not raise taxes.

Some argue they no longer have children in school and should not have to pay for something they don’t use.

We understand the concerns. We also believe in the value of safe, uncrowded schools and a solid education. Until the state addresses the $3 billion backlog in school construction requests, we will continue to turn to taxpayers to argue on children’s behalf. It’s inconceivable to think voters would turn their backs on the opportunity to help the state’s youths -- tomorrow’s future -- succeed.

An estimated 14 million children attend schools in need of extensive repair or replacement; more than 21,000 of those students are right here in the Coachella Valley.

Taxpayers legitimately commit, as they must, to highways, bridges, airports and an array of infrastructure challenges the valley has. They ought to be committing to infrastructure for the most important part of our population: Our children.