As property tax bills hit mailboxes across Josephine County this year, many residents are feeling the pinch. Much of the increase in local taxes has been directed toward the Three Rivers School District, leaving some to wonder: why is the district now asking for an additional bond to replace school roofs and improve security?
The Three Rivers School District is proposing a $39 million bond measure on the ballot this election season, aimed primarily at funding roof replacements and security enhancements at several schools. This follows a similar bond proposal in May, which was rejected by 68% of voters. This time, district officials are hoping a longer 20-year repayment term will make the bond more palatable, reducing the tax rate impact to approximately 43 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value.
The district has managed to complete roof repairs at only one facility, Illinois Valley High School, which received an updated roof last summer. Half of the cost for this project came from the district’s contingency fund, while the remaining amount will be paid off over the next decade. However, Valenzuela emphasized that this piecemeal approach won’t suffice. “Our replacement needs don’t align with a one-roof-per-decade schedule,” he explained. “With aging facilities, we need a sustainable plan to address these infrastructure issues.”
If voters approve the bond, approximately $5 million of the $39 million will be allocated to improving school security. The district also expects a $6 million grant from the state to bolster these security efforts. Plans include implementing fencing around school properties and upgrading building access systems to electronic key cards, which would help control campus access and enhance student safety.
While district officials emphasize the need for these improvements, some residents are skeptical. Many wonder why, after a noticeable tax increase largely benefiting the school district, there isn’t already adequate funding for essential repairs and security upgrades.
“It’s frustrating,” said one resident who preferred to remain anonymous. “We’re already paying higher taxes, and now they’re saying they need even more to cover these costs. It makes you question where the current funds are really going.”
Three Rivers School District argues that, despite the increase in property taxes, their existing budget cannot cover the extent of the needed repairs, especially with inflation affecting construction costs. According to the district, without a bond measure, repairs will continue at a much slower pace, potentially leading to even greater expenses down the road as structures age further.
Local taxpayers, however, are left balancing these needs against their own financial pressures. With rising costs across housing and essential goods, the additional tax burden may be difficult for some to support, even if it comes with promises of long-term improvements.
As Election Day nears, the district is making a concerted effort to inform the public about the proposed bond and the need for these repairs. Whether this new approach will sway voters remains uncertain, but with public skepticism still high, Three Rivers School District has its work cut out for it in making the case for this investment in the county’s schools.
