PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Lake Oswego residents are set to decide Tuesday if they want to maintain their school district’s current bond estimate to improve local schools.

Measure 3-628 asks voters whether the district should keep its current estimated bond rate by issuing an additional $245 million in new bonds to improve school safety, manage repairs, expand classrooms, and provide career/ technical education.

If approved, the district says the new bonds will help maintain its current estimated bond tax rate of $2.90 per $1,000 of assessed property value. These bonds are expected to mature in 26 years.

The money would go toward replacing two of the district’s oldest schools, Forest Hills and Lake Grove Elementary, which were both built in the 1940s and lack foundational support.

Other schools will receive new security cameras, fire alarm systems, classroom equipment, and more. Aging facilities are also expected to get new roofing, HVAC systems, and plumbing.

Within the classroom, these bonds will help fund the expansion of Science Technology Education Math (STEM) and Career and Technical Education (CTE) spaces at the district’s high schools. It will also add additional classrooms at the Palisades World Language School.

According to the ballot measure, these funds will only be used for voter-approved projects and will be monitored by the Bond Accountability Committee.

As of Tuesday morning, about 31% of eligible Lake Oswego voters had cast a ballot.

First results for the election are expected to be announced at 8 p.m. on Tuesday night.

Stay with KOIN 6 News, Your Local Election Headquarters, as we continue to follow this story.

Aimee Plante

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