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Mount Hood CC outlines $147M bond projects, highlights dual-credit ties with Parkrose
Summary
Mount Hood Community College leaders told the Parkrose School Board about bond-funded campus upgrades including a retractable‑cover pool, modernization of labs and allied‑health spaces and a growing dual‑credit partnership that saved Parkrose families roughly $360,000 last year.
Mount Hood Community College President Lisa Scari told the Parkrose School District board that the college’s recently approved capital bond will support campus modernization and community-facing projects, including an outdoor pool with a retractable cover that college leaders expect to complete before winter.
Why it matters: The presentation framed the bond as both a community resource and an economic investment. Mount Hood leaders said the bond proceeds — described in materials as about $147.3 million available for projects after issuance — will fund safety upgrades, HVAC and roof work, and new interdisciplinary lab space intended to expand allied‑health training.
Scari highlighted the college’s role in the region and the link with Parkrose students. "Mount Hood is designed to meet students where they are and take them to where they want to be," she said, pointing to dual‑credit enrollments and workforce programs. She and board chair Andrew Spear noted that roughly 100–200 Parkrose students take dual‑credit courses; the college estimated families saved about $360,000 in one year because of those credits.
College officials walked the Board through bond oversight and timeline details, saying a bond oversight committee will meet quarterly to review spending and that general‑contractor selection and pre‑design work are under way. Scari and Spear said they are prioritizing hiring local subcontractors through the general contractor.
Board members asked about contractor sourcing, accountability and how the bond will be communicated to the public. Mount Hood staff pointed attendees to a bond website and a newsletter sign‑up for project renderings, photos and progress updates.
What’s next: Mount Hood said it will continue outreach with Parkrose leadership during construction and has already begun certain paving and planning work on campus. The college also invited the district to share alumni and community stories as it prepares 60th‑anniversary celebrations next academic year.
The presentation included a question period; board members expressed support for the partnership and appreciation for dual‑credit savings for families. No board action was taken during the working session.
