Tough economic times mean setting priorities, and spending wisely.

Fixing the deplorable condition of some of our public schools should be a top priority. California's kids deserve a clean and safe learning environment, free from unsafe wiring, leaky roofs and bathrooms that don't work. Proposition 55, a $12.3 billion school bond on the March 2 ballot, will help make that happen.

Californians have always responded favorably to school construction bonds. This year should be no exception, even with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's Prop. 57 on the ballot. That shorter term bond addresses the current budget deficit. Prop. 55 deals with the needs of the next generation of California's school children through a long-term bond, spread over 30 years.

Prop. 55 is the second installment of a two-part $25.3 billion package for renovation and new construction that will bring campuses up to par. The first part, Prop. 47, was approved two years ago by voters as a promise to upgrade public schools that suffered from years of neglect and deferred maintenance. Now, it's time to seal that deal by passing Prop. 55.

Virtually all of Prop. 47's funds are already allocated -- and without Prop. 55 crucial repairs won't be made.

The bulk of Prop. 55 funds, $10 billion, will be spent on renovation and new construction at K-12 campuses. That would ease the crunch of overcrowded classrooms and prepare campuses for the influx of new students just around the corner. The new construction jobs, goods and services will also help fuel the struggling economy.

A smaller slice of Prop. 55, about $2.3 billion, will be used to upgrade community colleges, the University of California and California State University campuses, making them better equipped to handle the next wave of students about to enter the system.

Skeptics should be assured by Prop. 55's built-in protections against misuse of funds, which include an independent oversight committee and regular state and local audits.

The timing may not be perfect, but funding these projects with long-term bonds is the right way to go. And lower interest rates make it more feasible than ever before.

There are no frills here, just the basics. Taking care of our public schools' needs is a solid investment in our economic future. Don't be shortsighted. On Tuesday, vote to support California's schools and its students. Vote yes on Prop. 55.