California Code, Education Code - EDC § 16520

(a) The purchase and improvement of schoolsites which have been approved by the department.

(b) The purchase of desks, tables, chairs, and equipment, as approved by the department.

(c) The planning and construction, reconstruction, alteration of, and addition to, school buildings for facilities that are approved by the department as essential, all of which purposes are hereby declared to be, and are, public works.

Where a district is required by a contract entered into between itself and a contractor, to obtain at its own expense insurance covering risks incurred during any construction, reconstruction or alteration for which an apportionment has been made, the cost thereof may be paid either directly, or by way of reimbursement, to the district out of the apportionment, or out of any apportionment made specifically covering the insurance.  However, in other respects the apportionments are eligible for payment under this chapter.