North Clackamas School District proposes $245 million, no‑rate‑increase bond for November ballot
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Summary
Superintendent Shay James told the Milwaukie City Council the district plans a $245 million capital bond for the November 2026 ballot that would not raise the current property tax rate; funds are limited to capital projects (roofs, HVAC, safety, technology, deferred maintenance).
Superintendent Shay James told the Milwaukie City Council that the North Clackamas School District is preparing a $245,000,000 capital construction bond to appear on the November 2026 ballot and that the district is pursuing community feedback before the board votes on placing the measure in June.
"We're proposing $245,000,000. This is a no tax increase rate," James said, adding the district expects to keep the current rate at about $22.37 per $1,000 of assessed value. James and district staff emphasized that bond proceeds can be used only for capital construction, deferred maintenance and improvements — not teacher salaries or routine operating costs.
Cindy Duchin, who joined James for the presentation, outlined four strategic pillars guiding the bond: student experience and success, people and culture, family and community collaboration, and resources and service. She and Teresa Neff Webster walked council members through prioritized categories for likely projects: roofing replacements; heating, ventilation and cooling upgrades (including adding HVAC where feasible to reduce disruption during heat events); critical maintenance such as a new Putnam High elevator and stadium renovations; continued safety and security upgrades; and technology infrastructure and cybersecurity.
District staff said the bond proposal reflects a long‑range facilities plan informed by an inventory and a live work‑order system, and that the bond advisory committee vetted options and polling. The district also highlighted program outcomes and need: roughly 17,000 students districtwide, a four‑year graduation rate above the state average, and that 80% of the budget is personnel costs.
Councilors asked whether the bond would add new schools or large additions; James responded the plan focuses on maintenance and upgrades rather than building new campuses. Tiffany Shireman, the district chief of staff, outlined local revenue components and said roughly 35% of the district's revenue comes from local property taxes, with the remainder backfilled by the state.
Next steps: district staff will continue community outreach (including a short survey and open forums) and return to the school board for a June vote about placing the bond on the November ballot.
