I won't even try to read the tea leaves of Tuesday's mid-term elections. But I've been watching one ballot measure closely that might have a great deal to say about public financing for education facilities.

Election returns weren't complete as of this writing, but California voters appear to have overwhelmingly approved a $37.3 billion infrastructure package that includes $10.4 billion for schools and colleges.

What's the big deal? This: These same voters have ponied up $95 billion since 1996 to improve schools, colleges and universities. That's $26 million every day.

If California voters still believe in public funding for new-construction and renovation projects, it might be a signal that voters nationally still believe in it, too. But their wallets aren't bottomless.

"I'll vote for it, but there really is a feeling of 'Oh, God, are we doing this again?' " one California voter told the Associated Press, in an analysis of the state's decade-long series of bond issues.


Voters undoubtedly will demand greater accountability from managers and other officials on the receiving end of these billions, and they might not be happy with what they've paid for, according to a new report from the 21st Century School Fund.

"Overall, the schools in poor condition 10 years ago received the least investment in their facilities, even as the nation's schools have seen record spending in school facilities," according to the report.

This situation begs for more discussion - and fast - among managers and executives in public education facilities. Let's start with two questions:

* How have you successfully lobbied for funds to build and properly maintain public education facilities?
* How can you demonstrate that you've spent the money wisely?