The Estacada School Board voted unanimously during the February School Board Meeting to place a school bond measure on the upcoming May ballot. This landmark decision underscores the district's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and infrastructure for current and future generations of students.

The proposed bond measure aims to address pressing needs within the school district, including:

Addressing Overcrowding by:

• Building a new high school on the current EHS campus
• Renovating part of the existing high school to create a separate junior high
• Modifying the existing middle school into a third elementary

Improving Aging Facilities through:

• Updating safety and security at all schools
• Improving ADA accessibility
• Installing fire safety systems
• Repairing and replacing plumbing, electrical, roofing, windows
• Removing asbestos
• Improving air quality/temperature regulation

Advancing Career Readiness by:

• Updating career technical education spaces, preparing kids for the modern workforce

Addressing Community Needs by:

• Expanding and establishing indoor and outdoor facilities

By investing in these areas, the Estacada School District aims to uphold its commitment to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for future success while also addressing the evolving needs of the community.

"We believe that investing in our schools is an investment in the future of our community," said Ryan Carpenter, Estacada School District Superintendent. "This bond measure represents an opportunity to ensure that our students have access to the resources and facilities they need to thrive, and by extension, allows the Estacada community to thrive." 

The decision to place the school bond measure on the May ballot follows extensive community input and engagement. The majority of voters in a recent poll indicated support for the bond, with 54% describing the bond as an “urgent priority”. 

School Board Chair Ken Riedel described the bond as a “collective effort that has had many eyes on the plan to create a final package that maximizes cost efficiency while still addressing the many urgent needs of our schools and students”.
 

Voters and the community at large can learn more about the bond package at www.estacadaschoolbond.org.