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What is being referred to voters?  

The Oakland School District has referred a bond measure for the May 2024 ballot that, If passed, the measure would authorize a property tax increase that would provide a dedicated funding source specifically to replace the partially condemned Washington Gym with a new multi-use facility. The bond levy measure would raise $4.5 million at an estimated $0.91 per $1,000 of assessed property value for 15 years. If the bond measure passes, the District would also receive a $4.5 million matching grant from the Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching (OSCIM) program to assist with the construction. The proposed measure would also create a citizen Bond Oversight Committee that would regularly report to the community. If the levy is not passed, property taxes would not be increased, the matching grant would not be received, and the Washington Gym would not be replaced.

How is this proposed measure different from the measure proposed in November 2023?

The School Board went through a process to prioritize projects within the district. If passed the proposed measure would provide tax revenue that would fund the replacement of the Washington Gym. The proposed measure does not include the prior construction of secure entryways for all three schools, additional increased outdoor lighting, the updated softball field, or additional paved parking areas on campus. 

If the measure passes, when would construction begin?  

If passed, the District would put out a request for proposals for a design firm in June 2024, and construction is expected to be completed fall or 
 winter of 2025.  

If passed, how much will the proposed bond measure cost?   

If passed, the proposed bond measure would cost taxpayers an estimated $0.91 per $1,000 of assessed property value, generating $4.5 million. The owner of a property assessed at $200,000, for example, would pay an estimated $182 per year, or about $15 per month. If the proposed bond passes, the Oakland School District would receive $4.5 million in matching funds from the State of Oregon which would pay for half the costs of the project. If the proposed bond measure does not pass, the Washington Gym would not be replaced, and the proposed property tax increase would not occur. 

What is a school bond measure?  

A bond issue is used by a public school district to finance buildings (and sometimes materials, textbooks and computers). A school construction bond is a loan the School District takes out and repays over time using revenue from local property taxes. Measures are placed on the ballot along with information about the specific projects that would be completed if approved by the voting public. 

What happens if the proposed measure does not pass? 

If the measure does not pass, the gym replacement would not be completed as proposed and property taxes would not be increased. 

Would there be oversight to ensure funds are spent in accordance with the vote? 

Yes. If the measure passes a Bond Oversight Committee would be created to monitor progress on the project and report to the community. 

How does funding work for students who transfer into Oakland School District from other local districts? 

Since passage of Ballot Measure 5 and 50 in the 1990s, the bulk of school operating revenue comes to the local District from the State School Fund. When students transfer into the Oakland School District from another district, they are counted toward Oakland’s student Average Daily Membership (ADM) and not their resident district for state financing purposes. This means those students are included in the calculation of state funds received to operate the Oakland schools as if they were residents in the district. While local property taxes from out of district students does not follow them to the Oakland School district, the state funding generated by their attendance at Oakland Schools does contribute toward funding additional teachers and ongoing facility maintenance. 

When did the Oakland School District last pass a bond measure? 

The last bond measure passed by voters was in 2009 for $775,000 used for health, safety and energy conservation facility improvements. The funds provided heating, cooling, water supply lines, installation of low energy lighting fixtures, removing and replacing some asbestos flooring, replacing single pane windows and adding insulation to attic spaces. 

Could bond levy funds be used to provide salaries for School Administrators or other school employees?  

No, Oregon law prevents the bond funds from being spent on salaries for teachers or administrators. If the measure passes, the tax revenue would be used for the Washington Gym replacement. 

How can I find out the assessed value of my home? 

To determine the assessed value of your home, visit https://orion-pa.co.douglas.or.us/Home

If you have questions, please email Jeff Clark at Jeff.Clark@oakland.k12.or.us or call (541) 459-4341 extension 4000  

To view the Notice of Measure Election #10-208, click here.