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Multnomah Co. Online Voters' Guide
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GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS TO CONSTRUCT AND UPGRADE SCHOOLS QUESTION: Is Hillsboro School District authorized to issue general obligation bonds not exceeding $169 million to build, expand, and improve facilities? 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 provide funds to finance capital construction and improvements, including providing funds to build and furnish new schools, add classroom space, expand, upgrade and renovate existing schools and facilities, acquire land for facilities, and pay bond costs. Specifically this measure would:
• Pay associated bond issuance and building costs. The bonds would mature in 20 years or less from issuance date and may be issued in one or more series. |
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
According to data from Portland State University Center for Population Research, Hillsboro Schools District's student enrollment is expected to increase by 2,000 students by year 2010 and 3,600 by 2015. Several of the District's elementary and middle schools currently exceed or have reached capacity.
What would the bond do?
If approved by voters, the $169 million would increase capacity of District facilities to accommodate current and future student populations; addressing infrastructure needs for the next six years.
Proceeds would fund projects to:
- Accommodate rapid enrollment growth by constructing new schools and building additional classrooms in existing schools
- Renovate and upgrade existing schools and facilities
- Implement school safety, security, seismic, and utility efficiency improvements
- Expand technology infrastructure for classroom instruction and school management
- Purchase two land parcels for elementary school construction
The bond measure would renovate and improve existing elementary, middle, and high schools. Brown, Evergreen, and Poynter Middle schools would be expanded to increase capacity using the same administrative staff.
Because enrollment exceeded capacity, the District closed enrollment in two schools during the 2005-06 school year and will place portable classrooms at three schools for the 2006-07 school year. The proposed construction is intended to manage District growth on a long-term basis. Estimates from Portland State University Center for Population Research indicate that the District would not need to seek additional construction funds until at least 2012 if growth projections are consistent.
What will the Bond Cost?
The District has reviewed forecasts indicating that this bond measure would cost the property taxpayer in the Hillsboro School District an estimated $1.25 per $1,000 of assessed value per year during the 20-year life of the bonds. For the owner of a home assessed at $200,000, the additional annual property tax would be approximately $250. The actual annual cost to property owners will depend on factors such as interest rates at the time the bonds are sold and the way the bond debt service is structured by the District to minimize year to year variations in the District's total tax levy.
Accountability
The Board of Directors and District staff are committed to report progress on bond projects monthly and to ensure a committee of citizens serves as a communication tool with the District patrons throughout the construction projects.
| Submitted by: | |
| Nicole Kaufman |
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