Eugene schools, still feeling the pinch from the passage of 1994 state Ballot Measure 5, are seeking to regain lost tax revenue by sponsoring two school funding measures on the May 16 ballot.
The 4J school district, facing $5 million in budget cuts next year, is presenting Measure 20-28, a proposed tax levy that supporters say would only increase property taxes by a small amount, while keeping school funding at its current level.
The Bethel district, one of the fastest growing school districts in the state, is sponsoring Measure 20-33 to build two new schools and alleviate overcrowding.
Neither measure had any statements of opposition in the Oregon Voter’s Pamphlet.
Schools in the 4J district, facing increasing operating costs and decreased funding, hope to pass Measure 20-28 to help maintain their current levels of staff and programs.
If the measure doesn’t pass, the district will face losing 46 full-time teaching positions, middle school athletics programs and $1.1 million in administrative and support positions.
Measure 20-28 would cost property owners an average 71 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value.
Kelly McIver, communications director for the 4J district, said state legislative funding has not kept up with the increasing costs of running the district.
“We are still facing extensive cuts from Measure 5, and we have never been able to get back up to the original service we provided before it passed,” he said.
The Bethel district, in northwest Eugene, has schools filling up so rapidly that there is currently only one free classroom .
“This is a part of Eugene that is growing very quickly,” Sen. Susan Castillo, D-Eugene, said.
The Bethel district, Castillo said, can’t keep up with the approximately 100 new students each year.
“Classes are overcrowded, and we really need some extra funding to construct two new school buildings and keep up maintenance on the ones we already have,” she said.
If the measure passes, the district will construct an 800-student elementary and middle school building and a 200-student alternative high school. It will also expand on existing school buildings.
Craig Hawkins, Bethel district communications coordinator, said the biggest hurdle is the voter turnout law passed by the Oregon legislature in 1997.
“We need 50 percent voter turnout to get the measure passed,” Hawkins said, “so even if it gains a majority of the vote, it still may not pass.”
Supporters of the measure will organize grassroots efforts to increase awareness and get people to go to the polls.
If the measure doesn’t pass, supporters plan to resubmit it to the November ballot.