In a nearly unanimous vote, the community editorial board of the Newberg Graphic is recommending Newberg voters approve Measure 36-147. The $27.14 million bond will pay for badly needed repairs of school buildings, update and equip classrooms with better technology, make energy and security updates to school buildings and undertake a host of other needed maintenance items.

Also, because the school district is close to retiring a bond issued in 1993, even with passage of this most recent bond there will be a reduction in property taxes – 85 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. That and the fact that federal stimulus money will back $15 million of the bond at zero interest, makes this a win-win for the community. It will provide the school district with badly needed capital while not negatively impacting the pocketbooks of the taxpayers.

We found plans for the proceeds from the bond to be well thought out, as it heads off future, more expensive maintenance on Newberg’s schools.

The Newberg School District has distinguished itself in these tough economic times as being very frugal with a dollar. We have no doubt they will use this money wisely and we urge voters to cast their votes in favor of this bond measure.