The Salem-Keizer Public Schools Board of Education moved closer to putting a $619.7 million general obligation bond measure on the May 2018 ballot at its meeting Tuesday night. The bond funds would be used to construct additional space to relieve overcrowding and increase capacity of schools, expand career-technical/vocational programs in high schools, make seismic, safety and security upgrades and address other facility needs in the district.

At the meeting, the Board heard the second reading of the proposed $619.7 million bond package and voted unanimously to approve the package. Highlights of the bond package include constructing:

  • 12 new career-technical/vocational education program spaces at high schools
  • 170 new general education classrooms
  • 39 science labs
  • 20 cafeteria additions and/or expansions
  • Nine multipurpose physical education additions
  • Two new auxiliary gyms and one new main gym

The bond package also enhances safety and security by upgrading electronic badge access systems, renovating or relocating 36 school offices to improve visibility of the main entry for better control of who enters and exits, upgrades intercoms at 60 schools, and addresses structures identified as very high-risk of collapse in a major earthquake at 24 school sites.

The $619.7 million bond is projected to increase the current property tax levy rate by $1.24 per $1,000 of assessed property value, or add approximately $248 annually to the property taxes paid on a home valued at $200,000.

The Board also heard the first reading of a Resolution calling for a measure election and the Ballot Title. The Resolution states that SKPS has applied for and been approved to receive an $8 million grant from the Oregon School Capital Improvement Match program should voters approve the bond in May. To view the full language, click here.

The Board will hear the second reading and vote on the Resolution and Ballot Title at its February 13 meeting. The Ballot Title will then be filed with elections officials, which finalizes the measure and places it on the ballot.

More information about the bond can be found on the 2018 Bond Measure page.