Measure 26-123
BALLOT TITLE
PARKROSE SCHOOL BOND TO UPGRADE FACILITIES, REPLACE MIDDLE SCHOOL
QUESTION : Shall District renovate and upgrade facilities, replace middle school, improve safety, technology by issuing $63,000,000 in general obligation bonds? If the bonds are approved, they will be payable from taxes on property or property ownership that are not subject to the limits of sections 11 and 11b, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution.
SUMMARY: Passage of this measure provides funds to finance capital costs at Parkrose facilities. This measure would:
- Increase access to technology for student learning by upgrading technology and related infrastructure at all facilities.
- Replace roofs, upgrade plumbing, electrical systems and floors.
- Increase energy efficiency by upgrading heating and ventilation systems and replacing windows.
- Make health, life, safety upgrades in all facilities such as security cameras and entry upgrades to meet safety standards and asbestos removal.
- Replace and equip Parkrose Middle School on the same site.
- Construct and equip multipurpose rooms for activities for elementary school students.
- Purchase property.
- Pay bond issuance costs.
The District's 1995 general obligation bond levy expires in December 2011 and it is anticipated that property taxes for this proposed bond levy would remain at the current tax rate.
Bonds would mature in 30 years or less from their date of issuance and may be issued in one or more series. The bond measure is not expected to increase the District's current property tax rate.
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Parkrose Schools face a number of problems as a result of aging facilities:
- Four of the district's six schools opened in the 1960s.
- Parkrose Middle School was built 50 years ago, in 1961.
- Prescott's original building opened in 1947. An annex was added in 1959.
- There have been no bond-funded renovations, upgrades or improvements to district elementary and middle school facilities in more than 15 years.
This proposed bond measure to fund projected classroom and facilities requirements would provide funding without increasing the district's current tax rate to:
- Renovate and upgrade existing facilities
- Replace Parkrose Middle School
Renovate and upgrade existing District facilities
The proposed bond measure would provide funds to renovate and upgrade existing buildings to extend their usable life. Specifically the bond measure would:
- Increase access to technology for student learning by upgrading technology and related infrastructure at all facilities.
- Replace roofing and upgrade plumbing, electrical systems and floors.
- Increase energy efficiency by upgrading heating and ventilation systems and replacing windows.
- Make safety improvements at District facilities such as security cameras and main entry upgrades to improve visibility and supervision. Remove asbestos for healthier school environments.
- Construct and equip multipurpose rooms for activities for elementary school students.
- Purchase property.
- Pay associated bond issuance costs.
Build and equip a new middle school
- The bond would also replace Parkrose Middle School, originally built in 1961. Due to the condition of the middle school building, it is more cost effective to tear down and replace than repair the existing structure, according to architect and engineering assessments. Property would be purchased to align boundary lines.
Bond proceeds can only be used for bond projects
The bond issue's principal amount cannot exceed $63,000,000. Bond proceeds can only be used for costs associated with completing projects described in the ballot. The use of bond funds for projects not described in the ballot is prohibited.
Because the District's 1995 bond levy is being paid off, it is anticipated that property taxes for this proposed bond levy would remain at the current tax rate of approximately $1.25 per $1,000 of assessed value, or approximately $125 per year for each $100,000 of assessed property value. The bond would be in effect for up to 30 years from its date of issuance. Personal property taxes could be higher or lower depending on interest rates and growth in individual and the District's total assessed property values.
In an effort to reduce the bond's cost to taxpayers, the District is seeking state and federal funding and grants.
Information source: Parkrose School District Business Office
Submitted by: Karen Gray
Superintendent
Parkrose School District #3, Multnomah County
No arguments AGAINST this measure were filed.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
VOTE YES FOR PARKROSE SCHOOL BOND 26-123!
A yes vote for Parkrose schools will create a capital fund that will greatly improve the learning environment for our community kids. This bond holds the line on property tax at $1.25 per $1000 assessed value - there is no increase in rate between the old high school bond, which expires this year, and the proposed new school bond. Parkrose is not part of Portland Public Schools and residents living in the Parkrose school district will not be impacted by Portland Public School bonds.
Without raising taxes your yes vote will:
- Construct a new and modern Parkrose Middle School
- Properly abate and remove asbestos hazards
- Repair failing HVAC systems & decaying roof structures
- Construct flexible learning spaces at our elementary schools
- Upgrade technology infrastructure for 21st century education
The Parkrose bond will help our economy.
Investing in our schools keeps property values up and communities strong. This bond will bring good construction jobs to Parkrose - helping our economy.
Our community schools deserve our support.
Our schools continue to improve academically and athletics and our extra curricular programs are improving and prospering. Parkrose school administrators actively seek ways to maximize education funding through state, federal, and private grant opportunities. Imagine what can happen when obstacles to learning are removed and our school facilities enhance student learning opportunities!
Vote yes for our future. Vote yes for our community. Vote yes for Parkrose!
The Parkrose School bond is endorsed by:
Jackie Dingfelder, State Senator
Jefferson Smith, State Representative
Michael Dembrow, State Representative
Rod Monroe, State Senator
Jeff Cogen, County Chair
Ed Grassel, Parkrose School Board Chair
Guy Crawford, Parkrose School Board Vice-Chair
Alesia Reese, Parkrose School Board
Adair Fernee, Parkrose School Board
James Woods, Parkrose School Board
Peter Warner, Former Parkrose Board Chair
Jerry Landreth, Parkrose Faculty Association President
Kathy Couch, Community & Parents for Public Schools
Dan Saltzman, City Commissioner
(This information furnished by James S. Trujillo, Yes for Parkrose)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.