A bond measure is like a home mortgage with principal and interest to be paid off over a set period of time. The State of Oregon does not provide funding to school districts for school construction, building improvements and preservation of facilities. School districts in Oregon use bonds to finance these capital expenses and large maintenance projects.

No. The Oregon Department of Education does not provide funding for school construction or major renovation. It does, however, provide the dollars that we utilize to deliver instruction to students and operate.

Oregon’s school funding model is somewhat unique. The legislature allocates dollars each year for teaching and learning, but construction of new schools and the modernization and preservation of existing schools is the responsibility of the local community. Funds for capital construction can be raised through elections and the support of community members for local tax levies.

Oregon is one of the few states in the nation that does not provide direct funding support from the state for building schools or major capital renovations. School districts are expected to finance these projects with general obligation bonds (construction bonds) authorized by the district’s local voters.

The proposed bond is estimated to increase the current tax rate by $0.10 per $1,000 of taxable assessed value, which is different from real market value.

This amount is equal to an estimated cost of $20 per year on a home with an assessed value of $200,000 in Crook County School District. 

A property’s assessed value, (different from real market value) is the value used for determining the property owner’s tax liability.

Taxpayers in the Crook County School District currently pay the lowest tax compared to other Central Oregon school districts. In fact, if the proposed measure passes, the district estimates that the tax rate for the district will still be the lowest rate when compared to Bend, Redmond, Jefferson County, Culver, and Sisters.

Yes, the State of Oregon does offer matching funds through its Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching Program and the Crook County School District would be awarded a matching funds grant of $914,494 if the proposed bond measure passes.

The average age of a school in Crook County School District is 56 years and some are over 90 years old. Although we’ve worked hard to preserve our community’s assets, we have aging buildings. Over time, the number of students in our classrooms has increased, safety and security concerns have changed, and basic systems like electrical, heating, plumbing and roofs are aging and do not function as designed in some schools. Lastly, the district seeks to make various building updates to expand career and vocational education (CTE) facilities, and enhance hands-on learning.

No. The district will continue to maintain school properties but the proposed projects will not occur.

No.  All funds raised by the bond will go to improve schools in the Crook County School District and they can only be spent on projects approved by voters.

Communities with good schools can impact home values, encourage people to stay and invest in the local area, and can supply the local economy with better skilled workers. Additionally, good schools can improve community pride, connections, and a sense of belonging.

A community with good schools can positively affect home values, area pride, business attractiveness and help shape the future workforce. Students can go on to be skilled workers and engaged citizens that contribute to the local economy and community in various ways. 

School facilities provide community organizations gathering spaces for sporting activities and various events. Our schools have been rented on various occasions for major events and bring in visitors to our community, who spend money at our local restaurants, hotels, and businesses.

Crook County High School’s graduation rate is the highest in Central Oregon and remains higher than the Oregon state graduation rate.