Posted Date: 04/26/2024
Published: September 17, 2018
Measure 20–297, the school bond measure on the November 6 ballot, would repair schools, improve security, update technology and learning materials, support career education, address overcrowding and replace three aging school buildings.
Bond Information Sheet (English / Español)
If the bond measure passes, it would:
If the bond measure is passed, it would pay to:
Support teaching and learning for every student
Boost career technical education at high schools
Provide current technology for 21st century classrooms and schools
Update learning materials such as language arts and social studies
Improve student safety and make schools more secure
Control access to schools with secure entryways and other safety improvements
Construct new schools to withstand earthquakes and support disaster recovery
Replace oldest school buses and improve safe walk and bike routes to school
Make schools more healthy, accessible and equitable
Provide equitable athletic facilities for girls and boys
Improve accessibility for people with disabilities
Replace old pipes to reduce lead
Upgrade kitchen facilities to improve school food service
Enhance special education facilities and equipment
Add capacity and relieve school overcrowding
Complete planned expansion of Gilham Elementary School
Provide more capacity at new elementary schools
Renovate space to relocate growing programs
Replace three school buildings
North Eugene High School (1957)
Edison Elementary School (1926)
Camas Ridge Elementary School (1949)
Maintain and repair schools
Repair and replace roofs and building systems
Make school repairs and improvements
Improve energy efficiency
No. By law, when voters pass a capital bond measure, the money may only be spent on capital improvements such as facilities, equipment, curriculum and technology. Bond money may not pay for teachers and school programs. However, when capital costs are paid for with bond dollars, more of the general fund can go to teaching and learning.
If the bond measure is approved by voters, it would provide $319.3 million for school improvements. Property tax rates would increase by about $0.66 per $1,000 of assessed value, to a rate of $2.25 per $1,000 assessed value for Eugene School District bond debt. Property taxes would increase by about $11 a month or $135 a year for the median homeowner in the district, with an assessed property value of $204,000. The bonds would be issued in more than one series and would mature over no more than 21 years from each issuance.
If the bond measure is not approved by voters, the property tax increase would not occur and the bond tax rate would decrease by about $0.20 to $1.39 per $1,000 assessed value next year. The district would not receive the proposed bond funds or the $8 million in committed state matching funds to pay for school improvements. Without bond funds, money for repairs and maintenance would come out of the budget for classroom education. The district would not be able to replace and modernize school buildings, improve security at all schools, update learning materials, or complete other major capital improvements.
All registered voters who live in Eugene School District 4J are eligible to vote on the bond measure. You must be registered to vote by October 16. Ballots will be mailed to voters beginning October 17. Completed ballots must be returned to the county elections office or a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 6. To register to vote or find a ballot drop box, visit www.lanecounty.org/elections.
This information was reviewed by the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office for compliance with ORS 260.432.
SH 18-107