Measure 36-236

Sheridan School District Bond

Sheridan School District is committed to providing warm, safe and dry learning environments for our students. That’s why we’re asking our community to consider a $6 million school bond measure on the May 2025 ballot.

This bond will focus on three key priorities:

01

Facility Repairs & Upgrades

Our schools need repairs to remain safe and functional for students and staff. The bond will fund improvements at Sheridan High School and Faulconer-Chapman, including:

• Parking lot paving, expansion and lighting

• Roof repairs and replacements to address leaks and damage

• Removal of asbestos flooring

• Updated interior lighting and paint

02

Safety & Security Enhancements

The safety of our students, staff, and community is a top priority. This bond will strengthen security by:

• Upgrading school camera and security systems

• Modernizing paging and intercom systems

• Creating a secure entry at Sheridan High School

03

Updated Learning & Community Spaces

Updated learning environments are key to student success. This bond will:

• Renovate Sheridan High School’s science lab, which hasn’t been updated since it was built

• Fully renovate Faulconer-Chapman School’s old gym, including the band and choir rooms, to expand access to physical education and music programs

• Renovate spaces to serve as community gathering areas and accommodate an emergency shelter for natural disasters

Maximizing Local Dollars with $6 Million in State Matching Funds

Sheridan residents do not currently have a bond levy on their taxes because the last school bond expired in 2023. By passing this bond, our district will receive a $6 million OSCIM Grant from the state. However, this funding is only available if the bond passes. That means a local investment of $6 million will turn into $12 million for school safety and facility upgrades. The estimated annual tax rate for the $6 million school bond levy would be $0.80 per $1,000 of assessed value.  Actual levy rate may differ due to final interest rates and changes in assessed value.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Obligation Bond Questions

  • A bond issue is used by a public school district to finance school facility projects or other capital projects. Measures are placed on the ballot along with information about the specific projects that would be completed by the district if approved by the voting public.

  • Before 2016, Oregon provided no state funding for school construction or major repairs, so districts relied on local property taxes and voter-approved General Obligation (GO) bonds. While the State School Fund helps cover daily operations and basic maintenance, it doesn't provide enough for large-scale renovations or new construction. Federal support is also very limited, leaving local bonds as the main way to fund needed facility improvements. 

    The Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching (OSCIM) Program began in 2016. Prior to its inception, Oregon did not provide state funding support for school infrastructure projects; districts relied on property tax revenues and General Obligation bonds to finance such improvements.

  • By law, General Obligation Bond funds can only be used for the capital projects outlined in the ballot explanatory statement. These funds cannot be used for items such as PERS, salaries, or other employee expenses, nor can they be used for routine maintenance or supplies.

  • To vote on a school bond, residents must live within the Sheridan School District and be registered to vote. In order to be registered to vote, you must be a US citizen and 18 years old. 

    Oregonians can register to vote after their 16th birthday, but you will not receive a ballot or be eligible to vote until an election occurs on or after your 18th birthday. 

    To register to vote, go to https://secure.sos.state.or.us/orestar/vr/register.do?lang=eng&source=sos

  • There are four scheduled election dates each year in Oregon: March (2nd Tuesday), May (3rd Tuesday), August (4th Tuesday), and November (1st Tuesday following a Monday).

    For more information about elections, go to https://www.yamhillcounty.gov/405/Elections

  • In 2003, voters approved an $8.5 million bond to build a replacement school that would also be combined with the 4–8 Chapman School. The K-8 Faulconer-Chapman School opened in 2004, and the old Chapman school was burned down in a fire training exercise in 2005.

    In 2014, voters approved a 2.1 million bond to renovate bathrooms, heating system, removal of asbestos tiles in hallways and common areas at the high school, and safety doors at both schools. This followed the refinancing of the 2003 bond.

Projects

  • Following the bond being approved by voters, the district will start the process of hiring a contractor to work with the district’s architect to start the design and planning phase. The district will work with the contractors and architects to create a project timeline projecting when projects will start and be completed.

    • Secure entrance (safety)

    • Replacement of paging, clock and intercom systems (safety)

    • Security cameras (safety)

    • Interior flooring replacement (facility repairs & upgrades)

    • Roof repairs and replacements (facility repairs & upgrades)

    • Newer gym roof restoration (facility repairs & upgrades)

    • Interior LED lighting lamps to meet current code (facility repairs & upgrades)

    • Upgrade interior finishes (facility repairs & upgrades)

    • Parking lot repavement (facility repairs & upgrades) 

    • Science lab renovations (updated learning & community spaces)

    • Band and choir room renovations (updated learning & community spaces)

    • Locker room and restroom renovations (facility repairs & upgrades)

    • Gym floor and interior renovations (updated learning & community spaces)

    • Roof restoration (facility repairs & upgrades)

    • Exterior lighting (safety)

    • Paint and lighting in older gym (facility repairs & upgrades)

    • Replacement of paging, clock and intercom systems (safety)

    • Security cameras (safety)

    • Intrusion system additions (safety)

    • HVAC system upgrades (facility repairs & upgrades)

    • Parking lot lighting (safety)

    • Interior LED lighting lamps to meet current code (facility repairs & upgrades)

    • Refinish gym floor (facility repairs & upgrades)

  • The district will prioritize scheduling projects during summer break. If projects are scheduled while school is in session, plans will be made to ensure there are limited disruptions and safety plans will be created to protect students.

  • School districts often face inquiries regarding the absence of detailed project plans and budgets, including pre-design, schematic design, design development, and associated cost estimations, during bond measures. There are several reasons for not providing the level of detail that some stakeholders want prior to a bond passing. These include: 

    • Financial Prudence: Engaging in comprehensive design phases before securing funding can be financially imprudent. Detailed architectural and engineering designs require significant upfront investment. Without assured funding from a bond measure, these expenditures could strain district resources, especially if the bond does not pass.

    • Scope Definition: Early in the planning process, specific needs and priorities may not be fully defined. Investing in detailed designs prematurely might result in plans that do not align with the final approved projects, leading to wasted resources and potential redesign costs.​

    • Cost Estimation Practices: At initial stages, cost estimations are typically based on historical data and generalized metrics, such as cost per square foot, due to the lack of detailed project information. These preliminary estimates provide a ballpark figure but lack the precision that comes with more developed designs.​

    • Community Engagement: Developing detailed designs without prior community input can lead to plans that do not reflect the community's desires or needs. By securing funding first, districts can ensure that subsequent designs are developed collaboratively with stakeholders, resulting in facilities that better serve students, staff and the community.​

    • Flexibility: Securing bond funding before finalizing designs allows districts to remain adaptable to changing educational requirements, technological advancements, or unforeseen challenges. This flexibility ensures that the projects can evolve to meet current and future needs effectively.​

    In summary, while residents may desire detailed project plans and budgets during bond measures, the prudent approach for school districts is to secure funding first. This strategy ensures financial responsibility, aligns projects with community needs, and allows for flexibility in planning and execution.​

How Schools Affect the Local Community

  • Communities with good schools can impact home values, encourage people to stay and invest in the local area, and can supply the local economy with better skilled workers. Additionally, good schools can improve community pride, connections, and a sense of belonging.

  • A community with good schools can positively affect home values, area pride, business attractiveness and help shape the future workforce. Students can go on to be skilled workers and engaged citizens that contribute to the local economy and community in various ways. School facilities provide community organizations gathering spaces for sporting activities and various events.

Facilities

  • According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, the average age of public school buildings in the United States is between 40-44 years of age, with most schools becoming obsolete after age 60.

  • The Faulconer-Chapman School, serving K-8 students in the Sheridan School District, is a two-story facility built in 2004. It is in good overall condition, but improvement needs include plumbing and boiler replacements, restroom upgrades, roof and window replacements, flooring updates, parking lot repairs, and science and art room enhancements.

  • Sheridan High School main campus was built in 1962. The campus includes a main building, gymnasium, and portable classrooms. Key improvement needs include replacing aging building systems (plumbing, mechanical, and electrical), roofing, flooring, and restroom facilities. The science lab, art room, and stage require updates, and kitchen and vocational equipment need upgrades. Safety concerns include an unsecured main entry, outdated security systems, incomplete fencing, and inadequate exterior lighting. Temperature regulation and lighting improvements are needed.

  • Building a school typically costs more than constructing a residential or small commercial building for a variety of reasons including:

    • specialized design and functionality

    • the size and scale of the building

    • higher occupancy load

    • regulatory compliance

    • educational standards

    • specialized accommodations

    • safety requirements

    Schools require specialized design features to meet educational needs. This includes:  

    • classrooms

    • science labs

    • libraries

    • gymnasiums

    • administrative offices

    Each of these spaces must be carefully designed to support effective teaching and learning.

    Schools are generally larger in terms of both square footage and overall scale compared to residential buildings. Schools have higher occupancy loads compared to residential buildings. This requires more extensive infrastructure, including fire safety systems, plumbing, electrical systems, and ventilation, to ensure the safety and well-being of a large number of people.

    There are specific educational standards and regulations set by state and national educational authorities that school districts must comply with that can increase construction costs. This includes requirements for classroom size, accessibility, technology infrastructure, and safety features. School buildings must comply with local zoning codes, building permits, and adherence to educational facility standards.

    In addition, schools often have specialized amenities like sports facilities, auditoriums, music rooms, and computer and science laboratories. These facilities require additional construction and maintenance costs. Schools may need extensive site preparation, including grading, utilities, parking lots, and outdoor play areas. This can be more complex and costly compared to the site requirements for a residential building. Schools must be designed to accommodate a diverse range of students, including those with disabilities. This may require additional features such as ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. 

    Schools also require specific security measures to ensure the safety of students and staff. This can include controlled access points, security systems, and emergency response protocols, which can add to construction costs. 

    Additionally, the District must pay prevailing wage on all school construction projects, which is the amount that must be paid to construction workers on all public works projects in Oregon. Prevailing wage rate laws ensure local participation and community established pay standards on publicly funded projects. These rates include fringe benefit wages to encourage employers to purchase health insurance and other benefits for their workers.

  • The District keeps the funding for the Roberts CTEC project separate from the funds used to operate the schools. The projects for the May 2025 bond are for SHS and FCS, funds will not be used for the Roberts CTEC project.

    The Barbara Roberts Career Tech Education Center is being funded through a combination of state, federal, and private sources, totaling $6,245,000 in secured funds. Key contributions include $1.9 million from State Lottery Funds for property acquisition in 2021, $1.4 million from County ARPA Funds for design and construction planning, and $1 million from Hampton Lumber for building demolition.

    Additional funding has supported specific career pathways and equipment, such as $500,000 from a federal Community Project Fund for truck driving simulators and $500,000 in state CTE Revitalization Grant for a fire tower purchase. Other grants have contributed to manufacturing pathway development, solar planning, and marketing efforts.

    This diverse funding strategy ensures the center can expand career training opportunities while leveraging multiple resources to support workforce development in the region.

Facilities Grants

  • The Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching (OSCIM) Program provides matching grants to districts that pass a local general obligation bond. If the community decides to invest in their local schools, the state will provide the District with a $6,000,000 matching grant. The district has been notified by the Oregon Department of Education that the district will receive the grant if this measure passes.

Finances

  • If passed, the owner of a median assessed value home of $118,299 in Yamhill County would pay $7.89 per month or $94.96 per year.   The above monthly and yearly costs are based on a property tax of $0.80 per $1000 of assessed property value. The property taxes collected would total $6 million.

  • Since the previous bond expired in 2022, the bond rate for the district has been $0.00.

    The district managed its past bond issuances to reduce interest expenses and maintain favorable levy rates.

    In 2003, the district issued $8.5 million in bonds. These bonds were refunded in 2012 to capitalize on lower interest rates, achieving a net savings of approximately $478,000. This refunding did not alter the original maturity date of the 2003 bonds but reduced the overall interest cost, leading to a lower levy rate associated with these bonds.

    In 2014, the district obtained approval for an additional $2.1 million bond. This bond was structured to fit within the financial capacity created by the 2012 refunding and was designed with a shorter term, expiring concurrently with the original 2003 bonds (refunded in 2012) in 2022.

  • The District general fund is approximately $14 million; the largest portion of the general fund revenue comes from the Oregon Department of Education. The District uses these operating funds to pay for teachers, classroom support, technology, and education programs.

    In Oregon, it’s up to each local community to invest their resources, via a local capital improvement bond, to update and build schools. Therefore school facilities and conditions vary widely from one community to the next.

  • Information about the District’s finances can be found on the district website’s business office link. 

    To see the most recently adopted budget, go to Business Office Public Documents.

  • $3.01 per $1,000 of assessed value | Amity School District

    $2.87 per $1,000 of assessed value | St Paul School District

    $2.16 per $1,000 of assessed value | Dayton School District 

    $2.44 per $1,000 of assessed value | McMinnville School District

    $1.41 per $1,000 of assessed value | Newberg School District

    $1.45 per $1,000 of assessed value | Perrydale School District

    $1.08 per $1,000 of assessed value | Yamhill-Carlton School District

    $0.53 per $1,000 of assessed value | Willamina School District

    $0.00 per $1,000 of assessed value | Sheridan School District (Current Rate)

  • Each taxpayer will have to make their own decision about whether they feel investing in their school facilities is a good investment. Each year the district invites the community to budget meetings to review and understand exactly how the district manages resources and operations.

  • The assessed value of a home is generally used for tax purposes including calculating the bond rate. Oregon began using assessed value for tax purposes through the passage of Measure 50 in 1997. Though homeowners usually want their property values to grow over time, in this case, it’s better when the home’s value is lower. That’s because the higher the assessed value, the higher the property taxes.

     Market value is used by lenders, buyers and sellers to estimate the appropriate selling price given current market conditions. It’s essentially the value that assessors attempt to come up with before applying the assessment rate. An easy way to think about market value is this: What would a prospective buyer be willing to spend on a particular home and/or what would the seller be willing to accept if it were sold today?

    Form more information about assessed value vs real market value, go to this informational video from the OACTC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQ_BkTQZmCg&t=78s

    For more information about how to understand your tax bill, go to the Yamhill County Tax Assessor’s website at https://www.co.yamhill.or.us/assessor

  • To find out the assessed value of your property and your tax bill, go to the Yamhill County Assessor’s website at https://www.co.yamhill.or.us/167/Assessor-Tax-Collector

  • The following are assessed value rates for properties within the school district in Yamhill County provided by the Tax Assessor’s Office: 

    Median Assessed Value $118,299.00

    Mean Assessed Value $145,338.00

  • The following are the average assessed value rates for properties within the school district in Polk County provided by the Tax Assessor’s Office: 

    Business Personal Property: $82,285

    Rural Improved: $202,144

    Rural Bareland: $24,408

    Manufactured Structures: $44,017

    Utility: $101,174

  • It is possible that the bond could change. Housing construction, area growth/decline, and home values could all contribute to changing the rate per thousand of assessed value.

     The property tax rate to pay off the bonds is currently calculated using estimates of assessed value and estimates of actual interest rates when the bonds are sold. The Yamhill County Assessor will calculate the actual property tax rate needed to make the first year's payment on the bonds if the bond measure passes. The first year and every subsequent year after that the Assessor will make that actual rate calculation based on the actual assessed property values of the District and the bond payments that are due in that particular year. If the current estimates for assessed value and bond payments vary each year from the actual numbers, then the rate could stay the same, decrease or increase.

  • Once the debt is paid off, the taxpayers are no longer taxed. The school district can only collect the amount they asked for in the bond measure.

Community Oversight

  • The School Board will appoint a long-term citizens bond oversight committee to review bond expenditures and ensure that bond projects are implemented as voters intended.

  • The District will appoint a citizens bond oversight committee made up of community members, parents, and district staff to actively monitor the progress of the bond program, ensure bond revenues are used only for purposes consistent with the voter-approved 2024 bond measure and consistent with state law. The bond oversight committee will report to the school board.