Bonds to Improve Health, Safety, and Learning; Modernize, Repair Schools
Question: Shall Portland Public Schools repair, modernize schools; increase health, safety; by issuing bonds estimated to maintain current tax rate?
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: Measure authorizes up to $1.83 billion in principal amount of general obligation bonds for facilities and education investments.
If approved, this measure would finance capital costs, including:
Update, Repair Aging Elementary and Middle Schools:
- Update/replace major building systems, including roofs, siding, heating/cooling
Make Schools Safe and Secure:
- Update safety, security systems
- Seismic upgrades
Modernize, Improve Educational Materials, Technology and Schools:
- Renovate/replace schools, including Cleveland, Ida B. Wells (formerly Wilson)
- Upgrade curriculum materials, technology, including student devices
Increase Extracurricular Opportunities:
- Upgrade/expand high school athletic facilities; create district-wide athletic hubs at Jackson, Marshall
- Update high school performing arts/theater facilities
Requires community accountability/oversight; independent audits of projects and expenditures
Bonds may be issued in one or more series, each series maturing in 30 years or less.
Due to declining debt service, measure is not expected to increase PPS’s bond tax rate above $2.50/$1,000 assessed value, the rate that has been targeted since 2017 bond. Actual rates may differ based on interest rates and changes in assessed value.
Explanatory Statement:
If approved, this measure will allow Portland Public Schools to continue to prioritize schools in need of large-scale repairs and replacements to address safety hazards and to fix failing infrastructure.
This measure is not expected to increase tax rates above the level targeted by the 2017 bond.
In 2012, 2017, and 2020, voters approved capital bonds that funded improvements to many of Portland Public Schools’ aging buildings, creating modern, safer places for students to learn.
Since 2012, the bond program has fully modernized eight schools, with three more under design. In addition, the bond program has addressed some of the infrastructure needs at every school throughout the District.
Prior investments include:
- Roosevelt, McDaniel, Franklin, Grant, Benson, and Lincoln High Schools, Kellogg Middle School, Faubion PK-8, and the Multiple Pathways to Graduation building were fully modernized.
- Full modernizations of Jefferson, Ida B. Wells, and Cleveland High Schools are in design.
- Health and safety improvements, including:
- Replacing plumbing to reduce lead and improve water quality;
- Removing or encapsulating exposed lead paint and asbestos;
- Upgrading fire alarm and sprinkler systems;
- Repairing or replacing leaking or deteriorating roofs;
- Mitigating radon exposure;
- Strengthening school safety and security.
- Educational improvements, including:
- Upgrading science labs;
- Enhancing technology;
- New curriculum materials.
- Accessibility improvements for children and adults with disabilities.
What Would the Proposed 2025 Bond Fund?
If approved, bond funding would address additional building, health, safety, and learning needs in schools across the District, while continuing PPS’s plan to comprehensively address facility needs by improving all of our schools over the long term.
If approved, the bond funds will:
Update and Repair Aging Elementary and Middle Schools:
- Update or replace leaking or deteriorating school roofs, mechanical systems (heating and cooling), and other building repairs
Make Schools Safe and Secure:
- Update safety and security systems - including additional cameras, fencing to protect students and staff
- Seismic upgrades
Modernize, Improve Educational Materials, Technology, Schools:
- Renovate/replace Cleveland and Ida B. Wells (formerly Wilson) High Schools
- Utilize any high school improvement cost savings to update/repair elementary and middle schools
- Provide comprehensive, culturally relevant, and current curriculum materials across core and supplemental subject areas
- Replace or provide student tablets and laptops to provide equitable access to classroom learning, and update classroom and District technology
Increase Extracurricular Opportunities:
- Upgrade athletic facilities, including needed improvements for Roosevelt, Lincoln, Franklin and Grant and create athletic hub facilities at Jackson Middle School and Marshall campus.
- Update high school performing arts/theater facilities.
What Would the Bonds Cost?
Because the tax rate on existing bonds is scheduled to decline, PPS’s bond tax rate is not expected to exceed the previous estimate of $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed value. The total principal amount of bonds authorized by this measure cannot exceed $1.83 billion.
Oversight and Accountability
An independent group of community members will review quarterly reports and audits of how the bond dollars are being spent to provide accountability to the public until construction is completed.
Submitted by:
Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong, Superintendent
Portland Public Schools