FAQs

How much will this bond affect me as a taxpayer?

As a renewal, this bond is estimated to maintain the same tax rate that property owners in the Lincoln County School District are currently paying.

What is a school bond?

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.

Why does this district need a bond now?

Schools require occasional large maintenance projects that exceed the operating budget and are above and beyond regular maintenance work. This bond would address projects such as roof and building system repairs and safety/security upgrades to protect the community’s investment in our schools.

Why should I continue to pay for schools if I don’t have any kids in school?

The way schools are financed in Oregon is on a “pay it forward” model. If you ever had kids in school or were a public school student yourself, people before you paid for the schools you and/or your child(ren) attended. Similarly, the current residents of the Lincoln County School District help pay for the schools we have now and those we build and improve in the future throughout the time they live here. As new residents move into the district’s attendance area, they assume these taxes as well. Regardless of where you live in Oregon, you will be paying for the schools in that area.

We believe investment in public education is a sound one. Great schools increase property values and safe schools help ensure safe neighborhoods. Young people are our future workforce, homeowners and taxpayers. Their education prepares them for that next step into adulthood, and the stronger their foundation the better their outcomes.

Does the state provide funding for school construction bonds?

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 thedistrict’s local voters.

Aren’t schools already receiving money from the marijuana tax?

Yes, schools do receive 40 percent of the eligible tax revenues from marijuana sales.

The Marijuana Tax revenue for schools is distributed through the State School Fund on a weighted per-student basis.

It is important to note that the State School Fund revenue, which includes the marijuana tax revenue, is used to fund the district’s teaching and learning operations and is not sufficient to fund large facilities projects.

Will this bond pay for salaries?

No. By law, bond money cannot be used for salaries or other daily operating expenses. These dollars can only be used for capital construction.