Beaverton School Board Approves School Improvements Bond Measure

BEAVERTON, OR — Beaverton High School needs to be rebuilt. So does Raleigh Hills Elementary. Across the district, there are dozens of projects that need to be undertaken to improve classrooms.

That's why the Beaverton School Board voted unanimously to ask voters to approve a $723 million bond measure that would fund those projects. The measure will be on the ballot in May.

School Board vice-chair Becky Tymchuk, who also co-chairs the independent Yes for Beaverton Schools campaign that is backing the measure, says that "Better Schools help build a stronger community and give our kids more opportunities to succeed.

"Our community has always come together to invest in education."

The school board says that the bond will add $0.25 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

That means if someone has a home worth $303,000 {the average assessed home value in the district), they will have to pay about an additional $6.30 each month or around $76 a year.

The district says that the bond measure will accomplish several things (you can read about the bond in detail on the district's website) including:

"Create Safer and Healthier Schools

Our students should not be learning in buildings that are in poor condition and lack proper air ventilation. The bond will upgrade facilities by installing better air ventilation systems and improved seismic safety, executing critical repairs, replacing the district’s oldest buildings, and keeping our schools in good shape for the future.

Improve Tools for Learning

Our schools must ensure kids have the tools they need to succeed. The bond will ensure special education and pre-kindergarten classrooms are better able to meet students’ needs, and will enable the district to upgrade outdated computers and devices.

Strengthen Security

Students and teachers deserve to feel safe while they’re at school so they can focus on learning. This measure would fund cameras, fencing, and entry access control upgrades at school entrances to keep our students safe.

Reduce Overcrowding

As parts of the Beaverton community continue to grow, targeted schools in our district will need to add more classroom space. The Beaverton School Bond will allow the district to prepare for future growth of the student population and relieve school overcrowding."

"Our students should not be learning in buildings that are in poor condition," school board member Karen Perez said.

If voters pass the measure, the state will provide an additional $8,000,000 in matching funds.