March 11, 2022 3:40 a.m.
The South Umpqua School Board will present voters within the district with a $20.9 million bond levy in the May Primary Election.
Superintendent Kate McLaughlin said if approved by voters, the levy would fund a new K-8 school in Canyonville and provide vestibule entryways for safety at both Tri City and Myrtle Creek Elementary Schools.
The SUSD release said prior to approving the bond levy, the district worked to address safety and maintenance projects throughout the district, following priorities outlined in its 2019 facilities maintenance plan. These projects include $2.6 million in seismic upgrades at Tri-City and Myrtle Creek Elementary schools, a $4 million federal grant for the first of 2 new additions at Coffenberry Middle School, various projects at South Umpqua High School and many smaller projects.
McLaughlin said though some state funds have been spent to improve Canyonville School, structural issues remain. McLaughlin said the main building and gym at Canyonville School were built in 1939, with subsequent buildings added more than 70 years ago, leading the board to recommend replacement over renovation, and repair.
The release said the location of the Canyonville School has been a safety concern for many years. Situated between Interstate 5 and Highway 99, the school has many points of access and is difficult to monitor for safety or lock down effectively in the event of an emergency.
McLaughlin said the total cost of the projects is $24.9 million. The State of Oregon has approved $4 million in matching funds through the Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching Program, lowering the cost to taxpayers to the $20.9 million amount. McLaughlin said the board is seeking a 30-year bond, bringing the tax rate for the levy to $1.15 per $1,000 of assessed value. That works out to an estimated $19.16 per month for the owner of a property assessed at $200,000, according to McLaughlin.
The release said a political action committee is being formed to support the levy. The district is working with the state elections division for approval on content for its own informational campaign.
More information can be found on the district’s Facebook page or at www.southumpquaschools.com