In Tuesday’s special election, while the largest school bond on the ballot appears to be successful, support for education-related bond measures aimed at funding school construction, maintenance, and improvements is divided among Oregonians.
Voters from all 36 counties in Oregon participated in the election, which did not feature any statewide measures. Historically, turnout for special elections in Oregon is lower than that of general elections, typically ranging from 20% to 30% of eligible voters, according to Secretary of State Tobias Read. This year’s turnout was slightly below 19%, based on figures from the Secretary of State’s election website released Wednesday morning.
The Portland Public Schools’ nearly $1.83 billion construction bond proposal stands out as the largest school bond in Oregon’s history and represents a significant property tax investment for voters in Multnomah County. Early results indicate the bond measure is passing with approximately 58% of the vote compared to 42%. The measure continues a 2017 property tax rate of about $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed value.
The majority of the funds generated from this tax will be allocated towards essential renovations and reconstructions of three high schools in the district, along with safety upgrades, modernization initiatives at other PPS school buildings, and advancements in technology.
In addition to Portland, seven other school districts and one community college across the state also had construction bonds on the ballot.
The Tigard-Tualatin School District’s $421 million bond measure is also showing signs of passing with a narrow margin in early returns. This bond aims to renovate four elementary schools and implement various improvements in security, HVAC systems, plumbing, and technology. Voters in this district, located southwest of Portland, had previously approved a $291 million construction bond in 2016, which financed a new elementary school and significant refurbishments to two others.
Early results for Chemeketa Community College’s $140 million bond indicate that Willamette Valley voters are narrowly approving the measure, which will enable the college to upgrade its facilities and enhance its career technical education programs, with a margin of just under 3 percentage points in favor.
On the coast, education-related measures seem to be receiving stronger support. In Tillamook County, voters are backing two measures: an $11 million levy for the Neah-Kah-Nie School District, essential for addressing a projected budget shortfall, and a $23 million bond aimed at funding safety and facility enhancements for the Tillamook School District.
Further south in Lincoln County, voters overwhelmingly supported a $73 million bond measure by a two-to-one margin. This bond is intended for building repairs, security upgrades, classroom expansions, and the addition of performing arts spaces in three high schools. According to reports from public media partner KLCC, this bond will also secure $6 million in matching state funds.
