FAQ'S

A bond measure is like a home mortgage with principal and interest to be paid off over a set period of time. The State of Oregon does not provide funding to school districts for school construction, building improvements and preservation of facilities. School districts in Oregon use bonds to finance these capital expenses and large maintenance projects.

No. The Oregon Department of Education does not provide funding for school construction or major renovation. It does, however, provide the dollars that we utilize to deliver instruction to students and operate.

Oregon’s school funding model is somewhat unique. The legislature allocates dollars each year for teaching and learning, but construction of new schools and the modernization and preservation of existing schools is the responsibility of the local community. Funds for capital construction can be raised through elections and the support of community members for local tax levies.

Oregon is one of the few states in the nation that does not provide direct funding support from the state for building schools or major capital renovations. School districts are expected to finance these projects with general obligation bonds (construction bonds) authorized by the district’s local voters.

Our school district works hard to provide an excellent education for every student. Unfortunately, many of our school buildings need help including repairs to basic building systems past their usable life, better spaces to learn and grow, and critical safety, security, and health improvements.

The Scappoose School Bond is a necessary investment in our future that, if passed, would make improvements to EVERY school in the district.

The proposed bond is estimated to increase the current tax rate by $1.22 per $1,000 of taxable assessed value, which is different from real market value.

A property’s assessed value, (different from real market value) is the value used for determining the property owner’s tax liability.

In the Spring of 2023, the district formed a Community Planning Committee with volunteer community members and district staff to assess school facilities needs in Scappoose. This group reviewed facilities assessments and capital analyses of each school in our district. As a result of this process, the committee recommended a $110 million bond package based on the needs of our schools.

The district collaborated with Piper-Sandler, a renowned K-12 financial investment firm that provides guidance to public agencies. With their guidance, the district and board of directors identified a 31 year term bond option that, if passed, would allow the district to fund the $110 million school facility projects identified by the Community Planning Committee.

Taxpayers in the Scappoose School District currently pay a bond rate of $1.41 per thousand of assessed value. Proposed Measure 5-296, if passed this November, would be an additional tax over what property owners in the Scappoose School District are currently paying. The District estimates that the proposed $110 million bond, if passed, would cost taxpayers an additional $1.22 per $1,000 of assessed property value for a bond term of 31 years. A property owner with an average assessed home value of $247,748 would pay an additional $25.19 per month or $302.25 per year over what they are currently paying.

It's important to note that voters approve an overall bond value, not a rate, which may fluctuate based on the number of assessed properties in the district boundaries. If more properties are built, the new property owners will assist in the repayment of the bond.

The District is exploring a partnership with the City of Scappoose to repurpose the current Middle School building for other community needs.This may range from a new City Hall to additional potential uses that could include a community center open for use by volunteer groups, adult recreation leagues, seniors’ clubs, childcare providers and adult job training programs.

There would be expanded athletic facilities with new middle school track, gyms, and football/soccer field; replacement of displaced JV baseball field; resurfaced turf baseball field and new turf softball field. In addition, the proposed bond, if passed, would fund lights on the turf baseball field and turf softball field.

There are no plans to close Warren in the scope of this proposed bond.

There are a couple of reasons, such as the location of a new high school, given that a high school campus takes up a large area, which would require land acquisition. However, the main reason is due to costs. The District had an estimate on what a new comprehensive high school would cost done by our consultants, which came in at a little over $180 million dollars. This compares to an approximate cost of $80 million for the new middle school and doesn't include the $30 million of other upgrades and repairs across the District that are part of this proposed bond.

No. All funds raised by the bond will go to improve schools in the Scappoose School District and they can only be spent on projects approved by voters.

No. The district will continue to maintain school properties but the proposed projects will not occur.

Communities with good schools can impact home values, encourage people to stay and invest in the local area, and can supply the local economy with better skilled workers. Additionally, good schools can improve community pride, connections, and a sense of belonging.

A community with good schools can positively affect home values, area pride, business attractiveness and help shape the future workforce. Students can go on to be skilled workers and engaged citizens that contribute to the local economy and community in various ways. 

School facilities provide community organizations gathering spaces for sporting activities and various events. Our schools have been rented on various occasions for major events and bring in visitors to our community, who spend money at our local restaurants, hotels, and businesses.