NOTICE of Measure Election

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Gresham-Barlow School Board has referred the following measure to voters in the Gresham-Barlow School  District, at the Nov. 8, 2016, General Election. Any registered voter dissatisfied with the ballot title and Explanatory Statement may file a petition with the Multnomah County Circuit Court for review on or before 5:00 PM, Sept. 16, 2016. Any person filing a challenge must also file a copy of the challenge with the Director of Elections, 1040 SE Morrison, Portland, by the end of the next business day after the petition is filed with the Circuit Court

Caption: Bond Projects Increasing Safety, Technology, Expanding Educational and Vocational Opportunities

Question: Shall Gresham-Barlow School District increase security and technology, relieve over-crowding, update/replace schools, by issuing $291,170,000 in 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: If approved, bonds are expected to fund projects to relieve over-crowding, increase safety and access to technology, and repair aging buildings.  The District has been awarded $8 million in state matching funds if measure is approved; reducing the amount financed by taxpayers.

Independent audits and citizen oversight would be required.

For all schools, bonds and grants expected to fund:

  • Improved Learning Spaces
    • Expanded classrooms to relieve over-crowding
    • Increased access to technology
    • Modernized areas for science, engineering & vocational education
  • Safety Projects
    • Secured entries
    • Emergency communications equipment
    • Classroom door locks
  • Significant Projects:
    • Improve water and air quality
    • Major Renovations to Sam Barlow and Gresham High
    • Replace North Gresham and East Gresham Elementary
    • Improvements to Deep Creek Damascus K-8
  • Additional Costs:
    • Refinancing capital costs
    • Land acquisition, site and building improvements, demolition
    • Furnishing, equipping projects and bond issuance costs.

Bonds maturity will not exceed 21 years, may be issued in series.  The estimated incremental tax rate is approximately $1.89 per $1,000 of assessed property.

Tim Scott, Multnomah County Director of Elections