RIVERDALE BONDS TO IMPROVE SAFETY; UPGRADE, RENOVATE, REPLACE SCHOOL FACILITIES
QUESTION: Shall Riverdale District 51J upgrade buildings, improve safety, renovate, replace school facilities by issuing general obligation bonds up to $21,500,000? 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, this measure would renovate the Riverdale Grade School campus by upgrading and replacing District facilities to improve safety, security and efficiency of building systems and instructional space to meet the most current educational standards. Specifically, this measure is expected to preserve District investments by funding capital construction and improvements to:
- Renovate, upgrade, replace primary, main and art buildings to meet health, safety and security standards and building code requirements;
- Construct, equip, furnish school facilities to offer a physical structure conducive to using most current teaching methods and technological developments, including an expanded library/media center and other site improvements; and
- Replace leaking roofs and failing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems with energy-efficient systems and incorporate sustainable materials, equipment and design practices.
Additionally, this measure would pay demolition and associated bond issuance costs and refinance up to $1.5 million in outstanding indebtedness for prior high school renovation.
Bonds would mature in 31 years or less from issuance and be issued in one or more series.
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
The construction of new classrooms and other facilities at the Grade School to improve health and safety, enhance instructional programs, and protect capital investments are top priorities recommended by community members, school staff, architects and engineers that analyzed Grade School conditions and student learning requirements over the past school year.
Several of the Grade School buildings are in very poor condition and very inefficient to maintain and operate. The original building was opened in 1920 and was added onto twice, in 1923 and 1927. The primary wing was built in 1955 and was added onto in 1961. The art building was constructed as a temporary structure in 1967; and the gym was upgraded in 1997.
Upgrades, renovation and replacement of these facilities are necessary to:
- Improve the health and safety of the Grade School campus, both inside and out;
- Replace failing mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems;
- Replace leaking and damaged roofs which are exhibiting substantial failure as a result of multiple piece-meal additions;
- Upgrade heating and ventilation systems to provide healthy and comfortable learning/teaching environments;
- Bring facilities up to seismic standards to protect students and staff, and to provide a shelter for the community in case of an earthquake;
- Upgrade substandard classroom dimensions to become uniform and appropriately sized; and
- Accommodate current educational standards.
Specifically, the bond is expected to:
- Renovate, upgrade, replace primary, main and art buildings to meet health, safety and security standards and building code requirements;
- Construct, equip, and furnish school facilities to offer a physical structure conducive to using current teaching methods, including creating an environment that allows for the use of technological developments;
- Upgrade facilities with energy-efficient systems and incorporate sustainable materials, equipment and design practices to reduce operating costs and minimize the District's environmental footprint;
- Enhance campus life safety and security by making site improvements, such as installing a campus-wide PA system and creating a redesigned parking area with a separate lane for student pick up and drop off;
- Expand the library media center and space for special education;
- Pay demolition and associated bond issuance costs.
- Refinance up to $1.5 million in outstanding debt associated with prior high school renovation.
- Preserve and enhance the capital investments in the school, the heart and soul of the community, to maintain the quality of education.
In addition Grade School renovations could include a multipurpose space that would be available for community use after school hours and improved athletic field drainage to allow year-round use.
Tax Rate for bond
Bonds would mature in 31 years or less from issuance and may be issued in one or more series. The estimated yearly property tax cost would be approximately $1.19 per $1,000 assessed value more than the 2008 tax amount for the life of the bond. Tax cost would vary depending upon interest rates, assessed value growth and other factors.
Submitted by:
Terry Hoagland,
Superintendent
Riverdale School District
No argument AGAINST this measure were filed.
Measure No. 26-101 | Riverdale School District
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Riverdale historically has provided the finest educational experience for our children--an academically challenging, college-preparatory education housed in a small school setting. The District's reputation for excellence contributes to growing enrollment, attracting new resident families, and increasing numbers of tuition students.
Although we have much to be happy about, there also is cause for concern – physically, the Riverdale Grade School is nearing the end of its operational life. Funds that traditionally support educational programs increasingly are directed to repair antiquated and failing heating, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems. Furthermore, the school's age and the physical structure's deterioration raise health and safety concerns.
For example:
- Maintenance of the boiler system, installed in 1947, is no longer cost effective;
- Water pipes and controls, downstream of the boiler, have significantly deteriorated. Pipes are located behind walls, under floors, and above ceilings making repairs problematic;
- Roof leaks are numerous, and window failures are widespread. Energy efficiency of the physical plant is very low;
- Adopting modern educational technology is hampered by a highly outdated electrical system;
- Unreinforced masonry makes the school vulnerable to a seismic event; and
- Encapsulated asbestos, narrow hallways, limited number of exits per classroom and the lack of a public address system place children at unnecessary risk.
Renovating and replacing structures, rather than band-aid fixes, are essential to remedy systemic infrastructural issues and adequately address all of the safety risks.
Passage of this bond measure dramatically improves the Grade School facilities to the benefit of the entire District.
Above all, Riverdale is a community, and our children, and their school, are our greatest assets. Let's give our District a Grade School worthy of the exceptional neighborhood of which it is a part.
Bob/Shirley Berselli
Bill/Susan Bourque
Brent/Barbara Chalmers
Bill/Holly Coit
Gena Douzdjian
Sylvia Breed Gates
Steve/Kathy Johnson
Steven/Elisa Klein
Gerry/Kim Langeler
Pat/Carol Lewallen
John/Teri Nelson
Jim/Susan Rech
Mark Zusman/Brenda Bonnell
(This information furnished by Leslie Goss, Committee for Riverdale 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.