NOTICE of Measure Election

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Centennial School District board has referred the following measure to voters in the Centennial School district at the May 17, 2016, Primary Election. Any registered voter dissatisfied with the ballot title may file a petition with the Multnomah County Circuit Court for review on or before 5:00 PM, Thursday, March 24, 2016. Any person filing a challenge must also file a copy of the challenge with the Director of Elections, 1040 SE Morrison St., Portland, by the end of the next business day after the petition is filed with the Circuit Court.

Measure 26-175

CAPTION: General Obligation Bonds to Expand Educational Facilities, Safe Learning Environment

QUESTION: Shall Centennial School District increase safety, improve schools, construct facilities, update technology, issue $85,000,000 general obligation bonds, with citizen oversight?   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 bonds are approved, the District will protect the community’s investment in schools through building repairs, improved safety and security at every school, addressing overcrowding by building a second middle school and expanding existing schools.  A citizen oversight committee will be established, with independent audits, to oversee use of funds.

If approved, State will grant $7,095,543 to defray costs.  District has applied for grants for seismic upgrades.  Capital projects include:

  • New roofs, building repairs and improvements;
  • Create operational savings and efficiencies by upgrading HVAC and plumbing;
  • Upgrade safety and security systems, technology infrastructure;
  • Address overcrowding by constructing, equipping and furnishing a second middle school on existing property;
  • Construct, equip and furnish multi-purpose rooms at five existing schools;
  • Refinance existing capital obligations and pay bond issuance costs.

Bonds would mature in 26 years or less from issuance date and may be issued in one or more series.  The initial tax rate is estimated to be approximately $1.31 per $1,000 of assessed property value or $131 per year for property assessed at $100,000.

Tim Scott, Multnomah County Director of Elections