Rainier Bond Frequently Asked Questions

Bond Basics and Proposed Projects

A bond issue is used by a public school district to finance school facility projects or other capital projects.  Oregon does not provide districts funding for capital projects. Measures are placed on the ballot along with information about the specific projects that would be completed by the district if approved by the voting public.

No. The district will continue to maintain school properties but the proposed projects will not occur and the district will not receive state matching funds.  

If passed, the bond would invest $49 million into Rainier School District #13 plus an additional $4 million in matching grants from the state that RSD has been tentatively awarded.

The bond would cost an estimated $2.60 per $1,000 of assessed home value. For example, owners of a home with an assessed value (not market value) of $150,000 could expect to pay $390 more per year or less than $33 more per month.

The last bond measure to pass in Rainier was in 1978. Since then, the district has not been drawing taxes for facility improvements.

No. All funds raised by the bond will go to improve schools in our district and 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.
The proposed bond tax of $2.60 per $1,000 of assessed property value would apply to homeowners living within the Rainier School District boundaries.

Funding Information

The State of Oregon does not fund districts to do capital projects.  A bond is typically the way school districts pay for major construction projects like building new schools and upgrading existing ones. The bond can only pay for these projects and legally cannot be used for operating costs, salaries, retirement benefits or other expenses.
Yes, the State of Oregon does offer matching funds through its Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching (OSCIM) Program, and Rainier School District has applied for and received approval for $4 million in matching funds that would be received to help fund bond projects if the bond is passed by voters.
Property in Oregon is taxed on its assessed value. A property’s assessed value is the lower of its real market value or its maximum assessed value. Each year, the county assessor determines the property’s real market value and calculates its maximum assessed value. You are taxed on the lesser of the two, which is called the assessed value. Real market value is typically the price your property would sell for in a transaction between a willing buyer and a willing seller.
Rainier School District consistently earns the highest level of assurance auditors can provide during annual reviews from certified public accountants.
Each taxpayer will have to make their own decision about whether they feel investing in their school facilities is a good investment. Based on the district’s long track record of fiscal responsibility and conservative management our borrowing rates are low. Each year the district invites the community to multiple budget meetings to review and understand exactly how the district manages resources and operations.

Community Impact

Large-scale construction projects similar to those in this bond proposal can have many positive impacts on the local economy. A typical new school construction project will employ hundreds of people during the design and construction phases. 

Additional indirect benefits to the economy can come from increased patronage to local restaurants, stores and service providers. School construction projects also provide fee revenue for the city.

A 2018 Realtor.com survey of people who closed on a home that year found that 73% said buying in a good school district was “important” in their search. Additionally realtor.com reports that, “Consumers have shown a willingness to sacrifice certain things to live in the right school district. Having safe, welcoming, and high quality schools is a major factor to determine the vitality and desirability of a community. The more people who want to live and raise their families in the area, the higher the demand and existing market values.”
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 and professionals. Additionally, good schools can improve community pride, connections, and a sense of belonging.

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 who contribute to the local economy and community in various ways. 

School facilities provide community organizations gathering spaces for sporting activities and various events.