Lake Oswego district presents Measure 3628 bond plan; volunteer campaign to begin canvassing

At a fall districtwide School Advisory Committee meeting, Board Chair Kirsten Ayard, district staff and project-management leaders presented Measure 3628, the district—s proposed bond for building repairs and replacements, and invited questions from residents and volunteers.

The district said the bond is the final phase of a three-part program the board planned following earlier authorizations in 2017 and 2021. "This is very important, to the future of our schools," Mary Kaye Larsen told the meeting. Larsen and Tony (the district—s executive director of project management) described the bond—s priorities: replacing aging schools and building systems, upgrades to safety and security, and new and expanded learning spaces including STEM/CTE additions at the high schools and an addition at Palisades World Language School. The presentation also said the district seeks a new community transition program space for adult learners with developmental delays.

Why it matters: The district emphasized that bond proceeds can be spent only on capital projects and not on day-to-day operations or staff salaries. "Bonds for buildings. They cannot be used for daily operational costs," Larsen said. Staff said the measure would replace existing debt so the estimated tax rate would be maintained rather than increased; the district presented an estimated tax of about $2.90 per $1,000 of assessed value. The…