The Cascade School District Board of Directors has placed a $56.3 million bond measure on the May ballot.
“This bond measure would resolve a lot of issues and concerns in our district,” said Superintendent Darin Drill. “We have aging buildings in critical need of repair, there are safety and security concerns, and all of our schools are at or nearing capacity. This bond will prepare us for the next 15 to 20 years.”
The proposed bond is a result of a nearly two-year study of school facilities. Cascade School District last passed a bond 16 years ago. If passed, the district estimates that the bond measure will increase the current tax rate by $0.92 per $1,000 of taxable assessed value over the life of the bond.
“Cascade School District has done an incredible job of maintaining our current facilities and making our schools a safe place for our students to learn and succeed,” said Brett Stegall, board chair. “But with the continued growth of our communities and the continued aging of our facilities, we recognize the need to get in front of this issue and be proactive on our future needs. This includes additional maintenance, new facilities, and increased safety measures that must be addressed for the benefit of the current and the future students at Cascade School District.”
The measure is designed to improve the safety of all district schools, address growth, extend the life of school buildings, and modernize academic spaces.
“This comprehensive bond package will allow the district to make urgent repairs, eliminate safety hazards, and save taxpayer dollars by making schools more efficient,” according to website information. “The bond will also allow the school district to continue its tradition of strong and quality schools while preparing for the projected increase in students.”
The district has also qualified for a $4 million matching grant from the State of Oregon’s OSCIM program, which it will only receive if the measure passes. A bond oversight committee will be formed by the district to make decisions regarding funds and oversee the bond process, according to school officials.
Stegall called Cascade “one of the best districts in the state. This bond gives us a chance to build on that quality education and bring our school buildings into the 21st century with technology upgrades and vocational learning enhancements.
“There is a lot to be proud of in the Cascade School District, and I hope we can make our facilities something to be proud of as well,” he added.
For information about the proposed bond measure, contact Madeline Sattler, director of communications, at [email protected].
