Expand CTE & Science
Relieve Overcrowding
Increase Safety & Security
Protect Public Investment
The 2018 bond provides funding to
Relieve Overcrowding
- Construct additional space including general education and special education classrooms; and expand or renovate gyms, cafeterias and libraries
- Expand five high schools to serve up to 2,200 student capacity and a sixth to 2,100 student capacity
- Add space for music programs
Expand CTE & Science
- Add or expand two career-technical education (vocational) spaces at high schools
- Add or renovate science classrooms at secondary schools, ensuring all middle schools have the capacity to offer a full-year of science education
Increase Safety & Security
- Construct secured entries at many schools to improve staff’s ability to monitor and control who enters the building
- Upgrade intercom systems to improve communication between school offices and classrooms
- Address areas in buildings that are rated very high-risk of collapse in an earthquake
- Construct new additions to the re-occupancy seismic standard which would allow buildings to serve as a community shelter following a large earthquake
Protect Public Investment
- Plan for the future repair or replacement of roofs, floors, HVAC systems, electrical and plumbing systems, parking lots, etc.
More
- The bond also promises to expand the wireless network for improved equity of access to technology and to renovate many restrooms and building entrances to ADA standard.
Salem-Keizer community approves bond measure
In May 2018, voters in the Salem-Keizer School District approved a $619.7 million general obligation bond to provide relief for overcrowding, expand access to career and technical (vocational programs), increase safety and security including seismic safety, and protect the community’s investment in district facilities.
The bond promises some level of improvement at all schools in the district and addresses many needs that were identified in the district’s Long Range Facilities planning process. To review the history of the facility planning process or the development of the bond package, please visit the Bond History page.
Bond program accomplishes additional work
Since the bond passed in 2018, the total approved bond program has grown to about $755 million. The increase comes from market premiums, earnings, grants and reimbursements. These funds have been earmarked for additional projects and expanded scope to address needs identified in the 2019 boundary adjustment process, and specific needs that were not included in the original $619.7 million bond program, but were identified during the facility planning process or during architectural design work.
Because of the additional funding, the district can do more than promised in the original bond package without affecting the taxpayer’s levy rate.
The Your Bond Dollars at Work factsheet provides a snapshot of the progress of the bond program through October 2021.
Download the Your Bond Dollars at Work factsheet (PDF)
Accountability and reporting
The Community Bond Oversight Committee meets quarterly to monitor the progress of the bond program. CBOC reports annually to the School Board. CBOC also provides recommendations for the use of bond funds in accordance with state law and the language in the voter-approved ballot title.