Redmond voters have approved a $27.5 million school bond measure to build new classrooms and pay for health, safety and security upgrades across the district.
The measure is passing with 58% of the vote, likely in part because it won’t add any new taxes to residents’ property tax bills.
“We feel really good about the results as they’re coming in,” said Superintendent Charan Cline. “We’re grateful to the community of Redmond for the majority of yes votes we’re seeing so far.”
The district will refinance previously issued bonds and projects there will be some growth on the taxable assessed values of homes district-wide, so the bond won’t increase the current tax rate.
With the bond’s passage, the district qualifies for a $7.6 million matching grant from the state.
The bond will add six new classrooms at both Vern Patrick Elementary and Tom McCall Elementary while addressing critical health, safety and security upgrades in all of the district’s schools.
“On behalf of the students and staff at Vern Patrick, I want to personally thank the community for investing in our future,” said Jennifer Hesse, Vern Patrick Elementary Principal. “It is truly an honor and a privilege to be a part of a team that comes together in support of our children, our schools and our community. Vern Patrick is getting six more classrooms and a cafeteria and I could not be more excited about the future!”
In addition, the package aims to make energy efficiency updates, modernize existing buildings with technology and infrastructure improvements.
In 2024, the district will pay off the remaining outstanding debt from general obligation bonds issued in 2008.
The resulting reduction in the tax rate will allow Redmond School District to pursue their vision for the replacement of M.A. Lynch Elementary by asking voters in November 2024 to approve a second bond measure which would not increase the tax rate.
“By refinancing our bond debt and careful planning, we are able to provide much-needed repairs to our schools for years to come without increasing the burden on taxpayers,” said Pat Tellinghusen, a member of the district’s community bond task force. “This is a boost our students and teachers need when the pandemic makes education so difficult.”
