The Oregon Trail School District (OTSD) board of directors unanimously approved a resolution at the Monday, Aug. 11 meeting to put a school improvement bond on the ballot for the upcoming November election. The bond would address needed repairs and improvements at elementary and middle schools throughout the district.
“This bond is the culmination of more than two years of planning with the help of our constituents,” said Aaron Bayer, OTSD Superintendent. “Parents, staff, community members and engineers assessed the condition of every building and identified the most urgent needs for long term facilities sustainability, learning and safety.”
If district voters approve the bond, which would increase property taxes by $1.12 per $1,000 of assessed value, projects included in the scope of work would include:

• Repair/replacement of roofs, gutters and siding at elementary and middle schools
• Repair/replace aging heating and water systems at elementary and middle schools
• Add air conditioning systems where needed throughout the district
• Replace portable classrooms at Kelso Elementary, Naas Elementary and Boring Middle School with permanent classroom spaces
• Add a cafeteria to Firwood Elementary
• Expand the cafeteria and the gymnasium at Welches School
• Add a gymnasium to Naas Elementary
• Improve playgrounds
• Increase recreation opportunities throughout the district, including turf field projects at Kelso Elementary and Naas Elementary/Boring Middle School, pickleball courts
• Updates to the Sandy High School stadium
• Improve safety, security and access throughout the district, including traffic flow improvements and better access for community members with disabilities

The bond would generate $172.2 million for these improvements, and if voters approve it in November, the district would also receive $6,126,000 in matching funds from the State of Oregon. The bond would be overseen by a Citizen Oversight Committee that would regularly review bond activity and report back to the community.
If the bond does not pass, the projects would not be completed and the property tax increase would not occur.
More information on the bond and the district’s facilities is available on the district's website.