FAQ's

A bond measure is like a home mortgage with principal and interest to be paid off over a set period of time. The State of Oregon does not provide funding to school districts for school construction, building improvements and preservation of facilities. School districts in Oregon use bonds to finance these capital expenses and large maintenance projects.

No. The Oregon Department of Education does not provide funding for school construction or major renovation. It does, however, provide the dollars that we utilize to deliver instruction to students and operate.

Oregon’s school funding model is somewhat unique. The legislature allocates dollars each year for teaching and learning, but construction of new schools and the modernization and preservation of existing schools is the responsibility of the local community. Funds for capital construction can be raised through elections and the support of community members for local tax levies.

Oregon is one of the few states in the nation that does not provide direct funding support from the state for building schools or major capital renovations. School districts are expected to finance these projects with general obligation bonds (construction bonds) authorized by the district’s local voters.

Molalla River School District has created a Community Bond Advisory Committee (CBAC) of community members to develop a recommendation for bond projects. The committee will meet from January through November 2023 and will review the District’s facilities needs, consider options for bond financing, develop a long-term plan for addressing capital improvement projects, and consider community feedback. The CBAC will create a draft recommendation in August 2023 that will then be circulated for community input. The CBAC will then review that feedback and make a final recommendation to the School Board in December 2023.

Although we’ve worked hard to preserve our community’s assets, we have aging buildings. Over time, the number of students in our classrooms has increased, safety and security concerns have changed, and basic systems like electrical, heating, plumbing and roofs are aging and do not function as designed in some schools.

No. All funds raised by the bond will go to improve schools in the Molalla River School District and they can only be spent on projects approved by voters.

Yes. An independent citizen Bond Oversight Committee would be established to oversee the use of bond funds if the bond passes in addition to regular, independent audits.

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.

The Community Bond Advisory Committee (CBAC) is considering project cost and financing options as part of their work. When the draft recommendation is circulated for community feedback in August-November 2023, the draft recommendation will include an estimated tax amount. 

Real Market Value (RMV) is the amount that a property could reasonably expect to sell for as of January 1 of each year.

Assessed Value (AV) is the value of the property subject to taxation. It cannot exceed the RMV.  A bond rate is a tax rate expressed in dollars per $1,000 of Assessed Value (AV).

1. Clackamas County Assessor’s Office has an online resource at https://www.clackamas.us/at. Click on “Property Detail and Tax Information”, then search by account number or address.
2. Review your previous year’s property tax statement.

Farm and forestland properties have varied zoning and use. Depending on the zoning and use, active farm or forestland may have a special assessed value. Because individual situations and properties are different, we highly encourage you to look up the Assessed Value of your farm or forestland property via the instructions above. More information is available at this Clackamas County website: https://www.clackamas.us/at/farmforestinfochrt.html

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 for community members of all ages.