BALLOT TITLE
GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS TO EXPAND AND IMPROVE DAVID DOUGLAS SCHOOLS
QUESTION: Shall David Douglas School District be authorized to issue general obligation bonds not exceeding $39,900,000 to expand and improve facilities? 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: David Douglas schools have an immediate need for additional classrooms to ease overcrowding, to renovate and improve existing school facilities, and to upgrade safety and security. If approved, bonds would provide funds to finance the costs of capital construction and improvements to:
• Renovate, upgrade and expand existing school facilities to maintain the educational program, protect the community's investment in these facilities, and to increase safety and security. Improvements include, but are not limited to:
• constructing, equipping, and furnishing approximately 20 additional classrooms at existing elementary and secondary schools.
• upgrading wiring to improve student access to technology and communication.
• replacing outdated roofs, heating, ventilation, plumbing and other safety/health related improvements.
• updating safety and security of educational facilities.
• Construct, equip and furnish a school on district-owned property to relieve elementary school overcrowding and reduce class size.
• Construct, equip and furnish a facility for students needing alternative instruction. Purchase land for future needs. Pay all associated building, site improvements and bond issuance costs.
Bonds would mature in 21 years or less.
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
7,979 students get a good education in David Douglas Schools, according to test scores and community surveys.
That's 2000 more students than 10 years ago.
At least 200 more students are expected by next school year.
As a result, classrooms are overcrowded and class size is increasing.
To reduce class size for our growing number of students and to protect the community's investment in our schools, David Douglas School District must:
• Add classrooms
• Upgrade aging facilities
• Improve technology
Voter approval of this bond measure would permit David Douglas School District to:
Relieve overcrowding and reduce class size
• Add classrooms and make other improvements at existing schools. Provide a facility for the district's alternative program aimed at preventing students from dropping out of high school.
• Construct and furnish one new school on district-owned property to relieve overcrowding and reduce class size.
Protect the community's investment in our schools
This bond measure includes funds to:
• Upgrade electrical wiring to improve student access to technology
• Replace aging roofs, crumbling asphalt, outdated heating, ventilation, plumbing and communication systems
• Make needed health and safety improvements
In addition, this bond measure would provide funds to purchase land for future school construction and pay all associated building site improvement and bond issuance costs.
The principle amount of the bond will not exceed $39.9 million.
The estimated cost to property owners for the bond measure is approximately $1.30 per $1,000 of assessed value over the life of a 21-year bond, or $14 per month for the average homeowner. Rates could be
less depending on interest rates and the growth in the district's total assessed value.
Submitted by:
Barbara K. Rommel
Superintendent
No arguments AGAINST this measure were filed.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
David Douglas Citizens for Schools supports the districts proposed $39.9 million bond measure for three reasons:
1. Our community is proud and supportive of its investments and it is essential to protect those investments in our school buildings.
2. Our community is booming with residential growth. The continuing growth is causing our classrooms to overflow. To maintain the quality of education it is essential to keep our classroom sizes down.
3. Our community knows the importance of keeping our schools safe and secure.
Protecting our Investment
Quality schools are a key to providing long-term community value and stability. The David Douglas School District has done a wonderful job of maintaining all of its buildings. But most of them were built between the 50's and 60's and each requires improvement and renovation.
Reduce Current and Future Overcrowding
The bond will allow our community to add new classrooms, renovate and expand existing buildings and construct a new facility.
Upgrade Safety and Security of Educational Facilities
Renovations are needed in most buildings which include replacement of roofs, updated heating, ventilation and plumbing. Additional safety systems such as keyless locks and wiring for enhanced school safety and communication systems. Also included in the bond is wiring upgrades to improve student access to technology.
Quality schools are essential not only to the children who attend them, but also to the community that supports them.
Please vote for this important investment in our community.
David Douglas Citizens for Schools
Julie Easterly
Rhonda Stecker
Kathe Lauderback
John May
Eli Castrignano
Beverly Fischer
Rosemary Vaillancourt
Patty Kramer
(This information furnished by Julie Easterly & Rhonda Stecker Co-Chair David Douglas Citizens for Schools)
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.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
The East Portland and Gresham Area Chambers of Commerce endorse the David Douglas School District's $39.9 million bond measure. This measure addresses school and community safety issues and provides the facilities necessary for the quality educational needed for economic growth. A successful business community depends upon an efficient, effective public school system. We believe this measure is a prudent use of taxpayer resources. Please support our schools by voting yes for Measure 26-16.
The $39.9 million bond would permit the David Douglas School District to:
Keep pace with the rapidly increasing enrollment in the district. Over the last seven years the enrollment has increased by 20%. There is an expected increase of 3,000 more students by 2018. Most of the new construction would be on property already owned by the district.
Maintain the quality education for the almost 8,000 students enrolled in the twelve district schools. Updating of facilities and wiring will provide students with the opportunities to access technology and acquire the skills necessary to be capable citizens in the 21st century.
Protect the community's investment in its schools. Many of the schools in the district were built 45 years ago. Renovations and upgrades are necessary to preserve the community's investment and to increase safety and security.
Support David Douglas students by voting YES on Measure 26-16.
(This information furnished by Carol Nielsen-Hood East Portland and Gresham Area Chambers of Commerce Public Affairs Councils and Board of Directors)
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.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
David Douglas Parents Support Measure 26-16 for David Douglas Schools
The parent organizations of the David Douglas School District are proud of the quality education provided to our children and we want to assure the students of the future that there will continue to be the facilities and programs for them.
David Douglas Schools are well maintained and clean. The district has been fiscally responsible in the manner it has managed taxpayer dollars to provide for the upkeep of the schools, whose average age is 45 years. It is important that these facilities are maintained and expanded to keep up with the needs of today's students.
It makes sense to protect the investment in our schools.
Enrollment is increasing.
• A new school and additional classrooms are needed to provide for the 200 new students enrolling each year. Classrooms are crowded in every building. Portables have been placed at four schools already. Enrollment growth is not expected to slow down until 2018.
• Programs at the high school that assist students to prepare for future careers and become productive citizens need classroom renovations to meet program needs.
• Heating and ventilation upgrades are necessary to provide for safe and healthy environments.
• Replacement of roofs, renovation of restrooms, and wiring upgrades are needed in aging buildings.
• Safety and security measures for entry and communication protect children and staff.
Join us in Voting YES on Measure 26-16 so the children of this community can continue to learn in a quality environment today and in the future.
David Douglas Parent Groups
Sherrie Evenson Cherry Park PTA
Patti Kramer Gilbert Heights Boosters
Teresa Pred Gilbert Park PTA
Mike Price Lincoln Park Boosters
Eva Savicki Menlo Park Boosters
Brenda Henlin Mill Park Boosters
Pam Zapp Ventura Park Boosters
Karen Watson West Powellhurst Boosters
Mike Price Alice Ott MS Boosters
Judith Davis Floyd Light MS PTA
Vera Stair David Douglas HS PTSA
Al Kehdi David Douglas HS Dads' Club
(This information furnished by Patti Kramer, David Douglas Parent Groups)
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.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
The David Douglas School Board is to be commended for planning to provide building needs for current and future students. Even though the school buildings have had excellent care and maintenance over the years, modern technology and instruction in many subjects require classroom upgrading particularly in electrical service. In addition, more classrooms are needed for the influx of new students enrolling each year.
The David Douglas Board has a history of wise and judicious use of school funds. The proposed bond levy has received extensive study and examination. Those of us who are registered voters should support the bond issue.
We recommend a YES vote on Measure 26-16 for David Douglas Schools.
(This information furnished by Dr. Howard F. Horner and State Representative Jeff Merkley)
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.