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District and citizen committee outline timeline for $235 million bond; campaign to target November 2025 ballot
Summary
District staff and the citizen bond campaign chair briefed the board on a proposed Phase 3 capital bond of $235 million that would maintain the district's current tax rate, describing outreach, polling and a volunteer plan ahead of a formal referral to the board in May.
District staff and volunteer leaders briefed the Lake Oswego School District 7J board on the timeline and campaign plan for a proposed third‑phase capital bond program estimated at $235 million and targeted for the November 2025 ballot. The administration said the proposal is designed to maintain the district’s current tax rate.
Why it matters: The campaign would fund capital improvements across district campuses, including capacity, safety and efficiency projects and rebuilding Forest Hills and Lake Grove elementary schools at their existing sites, according to district presenters. District staff said maintaining the current tax rate is an objective; if the district delayed the bond, future authorization could require a tax‑rate increase.
Campaign status and timeline: District staff reported active community engagement through April and planned a formal board referral request in May. The district expects summer voter polling to refine messaging and a citizen campaign volunteer kickoff on June 2. If the board refers the measure in May and staff files for the ballot, the citizen campaign plans a September launch, fundraising and a voter outreach program through Election Day.
Community outreach and next steps: District staff said they are meeting neighborhood associations, senior living communities and organized groups; the citizen campaign chair said volunteers and committees are being organized and fundraising and polling will shape messaging. Staff noted bond funds are restricted to capital projects and cannot be used for operations, and that bonds help avoid using general fund dollars for major repairs.
Administrative note: Staff said final voter polling and administrative steps will precede a formal ballot filing in August, and that the district will provide an update to the board at the district’s last meeting in May.
