Measure 20-354 addresses needs identified by the community to make capital improvements district-wide, without increasing taxes.

Ballots will be mailed by May 1st and must be returned no later than 8 pm on May 21st.

About the Fern Ridge Bond in May

Measure 20-354 is the result of community engagement. Together, we identified key improvements to our schools so that we can continue to provide excellence for every student so that each will reach their greatest potential. Identified improvements include modernizing classrooms with new finishes, furnishings and technology, replacing mechanical systems district-wide, and constructing new grandstands, replacing the track and installing a new turf football field.  

What the Bond Measure Does

Modernizes Educational Spaces

  • Modernized classrooms create an optimal learning environment, ensuring students have access to the latest technology and educational resources.

  • With upgrades to furnishings, finishes and technology, the district will be able to better prepare students for the future by providing them with state-of-the-art learning spaces.

Improves Heating and Cooling Systems

  • New mechanical systems will contribute to a healthier environment for both students and staff.

  • Installing more efficient mechanical systems district-wide will create long-term cost-saving and reduce the need for emergency fixes.

Enhances Outdoor Athletic Facilities

  • FRSD students and the community deserve top-notch athletic facilities to support their physical well-being and skill development. 

  • A new track, turf field, and grandstand will benefit the community as a whole and serve as a gathering place for various district activities, including youth and adult sports. 

What’s the Cost to Taxpayers?

This bond continues the bond originally passed by voters in 1997 and renewed in 2014. Passing the Fern Ridge School District Bond will not increase the historical average rate of $2.20/$1,000.

If the bond passes in May, the State of Oregon has committed to providing $6 million in matching funds.

JOIN US FOR A COMMUNITY VIRTUAL TOWN HALL

Join us April 25th at 6 pm for a town hall to learn more about the bond!

Make a Plan to Vote

HOW TO VOTE

First, check your current registration or register to vote. You can register on the Oregon Secretary of State’s website and verify your ballot will be arriving to the correct address.

Voter registration cards will be available upon request at the front desk at all Fern Ridge Public Schools.

Voters will receive an official ballot to complete and return by simply dropping in the mail.

Additionally, the ballot can be mailed or dropped off at any official drop box​​ ​across the state. 

Ballots must be received or mailed with a valid post mark by 8 p.m. on May 21st.

Ballots must be received by 8 pm on Election Day.

To find out more information about how to return your ballot, please visit Lane County Clerk, or contact Lane County Elections at 541-682-4234

ELECTION CALENDAR

Voter Registration Deadline: April 30th, 2024

Ballots are Mailed: May 1st, 2024

Election Day: May 21st, 2024

Ballots are Due: 8:00 pm on May 21st

Informational Video from our Students

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes. Following an 18-month assessment, committee, and community input process, the Fern Ridge School Board approved a bond measure that will be on the ballot in May.

  • The district aims to avoid tax increases. Given the upcoming reduction in the District's current bond payments, property owners' average historical tax of $2.20 per thousand dollars of assessed home value will remain unchanged.

  • A community-based Long Range Facility Planning Committee, formed in February 2023, assessed the district's facility needs. The committee ensured future decisions are based on community input and consensus by examining existing facilities, enrollment projections, educational models, and community feedback.

  • The buildings have been well-maintained, but current needs surpass the district's operating budget's capacity. Deferring critical capital repairs would lead to increased future costs, including heating and air conditioning systems, restrooms, classroom upgrades, and the replacement of deteriorated grandstands.

  • No. The 2014 bond addressed growth needs with Elmira Elementary School. This bond focuses on improving the environments both in and out of the classroom for all FRSD students.

  • No. Bonds are exclusively for the projects listed on the ballot and cannot cover salaries or operational costs.

  • Yes. While the district has invested in better delivery speeds and portable devices, in-classroom technology infrastructure, particularly at middle and high school levels, needs improvement. The plan includes enhancing technology access and teaching tools.

  • The investment in the gym upgrades at Veneta Elementary will improve its safety and usability for our students and community.

    The improved athletics complex will increase spectator access with a new grandstand and ADA-accessible seating.

    The installation of synthetic turf on the replacement field, along with investments in several other district fields, will enhance playability and expand program space for both school-based and community-based youth and adult programs.

  • The Long Range Planning Committee assessed all the identified needs and determined that this list of $22.115 million in needs (the bond covering $16.115 plus a state grant covering $6 million) represents only the highest, most critical priorities.

  • The district will make modest facility investments within current budget constraints. However, essential improvements, such as the 440 track replacement and addressing unsafe grandstand issues, will be postponed

  • In 2021, the district supported an unsuccessful athletics-focused bond. This plan involves a broader community base, addressing not only athletics but also educational, mechanical, and safety needs to better serve all students.

  • The current fixed rate taxes that our community pays go to the state who then re-distributes funds to districts based on enrollment. These are used for staffing, curriculum materials, and operational costs. A bond pays for needed capital construction like classrooms upgrades, new athletic facilities, and new mechanical systems. These projects are beyond the scope and capacity of a maintenance and operations budget.

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