A measure to make major building repairs, support the classroom and reduce costs through energy efficiencies will be on the May 17, 2011 ballot. The Newberg School Board voted unanimously for Resolution 2011-04 to ask voters for 27.1 million over a 10 year period to:

• Support student learning by purchasing textbooks, classroom equipment, replacing aging technology, renovating existing space for additional science, technology and general classrooms, and building classrooms space for alternative and online learning programs
• Maintain and repair school facilities including replacing roofs and boilers, heating/ventilation systems, flooring and electrical systems
• Increase energy efficiencies to reduce operating costs by replacing low efficiency lighting, heating and ventilating systems and installing energy inefficient windows

Board members expressed their concern for balancing district needs, financial incentives and a recovering economy. Two financial opportunities that could be capitalized on only in the upcoming May election were too compelling to ignore. If the bond is approved:

• District taxpayers would pay zero interest on more than half the cost of the bond, saving approximately $4 million. The school district is approved to finance $15 million of the total bond at 0% interest through Qualified School Construction Bonds, a federal stimulus program.
• Taxpayers would pay less than their current property tax rate. The Newberg school tax rate decreases when the 1993 bond that built Antonia Crater and Chehalem Valley Middle schools retires in 2012. The combined rate of the new and existing debt would be lower than the current rate taxpayers are currently paying.

Bonds can only be used for costs associated with the projects listed on the election ballot. Bond funds cannot pay for operational costs such as utilities, teaching salaries and consumable supplies. Using bond funds to purchase textbooks, technology and repair facilities allows more general fund dollars to be used for operational costs such as maintaining academic and elective programs and stabilizing class size.