What is being referred to voters?
After more than two years of planning and community engagement, the School Board has referred a bond measure to voters which would authorize a property tax increase to fund specific school repairs and upgrades. The measure includes creation of a citizen oversight committee that would report to the community. The measure will appear on the November 4, 2025 ballot.

What is a school bond measure?
A bond issue is used by a public school district to finance new construction or major capital improvements to existing facilities. A school construction bond is a loan the School District takes out and repays over time using revenue from local property taxes. Measures are placed on the ballot along with information about the specific projects that would be completed if passed by the voting public.

What are the projects that would be funded if the measure passes?
If the measure passes, the proposed bond would fund specific projects at every elementary and middle school, focused on repairing facilities in order to address educational adequacy and increase safety. The proposed bond would also fund repairs and renovation at the Sandy High School Stadium.
The School Board proposed projects include:

• Repair/replace roofing, gutters and exterior siding at elementary and middle schools.
• Repair/replace aging heating and water supply systems; install air conditioning systems to prevent overheated classrooms at elementary and middle schools.
• Replace portables with permanent classroom spaces at Kelso and Naas Elementary Schools and Boring Middle School.
• Add or remodel cafeterias or gyms to Firwood, Naas and Welches Elementary Schools.
• Upgrade playgrounds, athletic fields and recreational opportunities for school and community use throughout the district, along with updates to Sandy High School stadium.
• Address safety, security and access throughout the district, including traffic flow improvements for vehicles and buses and improve access for students, staff and community members with disabilities.

Specific plans and preliminary designs for projects at each building can be found on the district website.

If passed, how much would my property taxes increase?
If the measure passes, property taxes would increase by $1.12 per $1,000 of assessed property value (not real market value). The owner of a home with an assessed property value of $288,000 would pay about $323 per year or $26.92 per month in additional taxes. The tax increase would continue for 31 years and generate an estimated $172.2 million.

What happens if the measure doesn’t pass?
If the measure does not pass, the proposed projects would not be completed as proposed, and property taxes would not be increased.

Would there be oversight to ensure funds are spent properly?
Yes. If the measure passes, a Bond Oversight Committee would be created to monitor progress on the projects and report to the community.

What could the property tax revenue be used for?
If passed the Measure would authorize property taxes that would secure repayment of the bonds used to finance the proposed repair and construction projects. Bond funds can only be used for costs associated with the projects listed in the bond proposal, not for general operating costs.

How can I find out the assessed value of my home?
To determine the assessed value of your home, visit the County Tax Assessor’s website. On that page you can enter your address at the top right corner, click enter and then click on assessment. The “Current Year Assessed Value” is listed there.

Does the state provide funding for school construction?
Money to support public education in Oregon comes from the State (mostly through income taxes), local revenues (primarily property taxes) and other funding, including federal funds. Each district receives state and lottery funds allocated on a per-student basis. Capital projects, including new schools and school renovations, are NOT funded by money that is part of the operating budget, and can only be funded through voter-approved bond levies.

Would the proposed projects be completed if the bond does not pass?
If the proposed bond measure does not pass, the specific set of projects listed above would not be completed and the property taxes would not be increased.

If passed, when would construction begin?
If the bond passes, construction timelines for the different projects vary, but construction would begin on most projects in spring or summer of 2026.

When were the different buildings in Oregon Trail School District built?
Sandy Grade School: 1931
Cedar Ridge Middle School: 1934
Boring Middle School: 1948
Firwood Elementary School: 1966
Naas Elementary: 1968
Welches Middle School: 1968
Kelso Elementary School: 1978
Welches Elementary: 1980
School Sandy High School: 2012