Thank you to the many citizens who took the time to learn about our school bond with a lower tax rate during our recent community forum at Gladstone High School. Community members talked with school board members and reviewed new flyers to find out that, if passed in November, the measure would lower the bond rate that current property owners are paying by $1.45 per $1,000 of assessed value. This would generate an estimated $438 in savings per year for the average homeowner in the Gladstone School District.
Following the forum, the school district posted answers to FAQs on our website. It has been 20 years since the passage of the last bond in Gladstone School District. Since that time, our school buildings have aged and safety and security needs have evolved. Many of our schools have outdated roofs, plumbing, boilers and HVAC systems that are failing or past their usable life. And several schools are in need of updated fire alarm systems, secure entryways or require ADA accessibility upgrades.
The Gladstone School District has qualified for a $10.2 million one-time matching funds grant from the state of Oregon but will only receive the funds if the measure passes on Nov. 3.