Rogue River school bond headed for defeat – Medford News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News

Mail Tribune (Medford, OR — Wayback)

2022-11-08

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Rogue River school bond headed for defeat By Kevin Opsahl Updated: Nov 08, 2022 10:15 PM A A A proposed $4 million school bond in the Rogue River School District was on its way to defeat Tuesday. Early returns showed Measure 15-208 going down 2,643 (57%) to 1,931 (42%). District Superintendent Patrick Lee told the Mail Tribune days before the vote he thought the measure would be “a coin flip.” Lee, who remained neutral on the matter per his administrative role, and school board member Mysti Jacob, who supported the bond, both expressed skepticism it would pass due to the state of the economy. In particular, they cited inflation, a top issue for voters this election season. The bond — which would have meant a $20 annual property tax increase for some residents — would have paid for plumbing and electrical upgrades throughout the district, covered play areas at the elementary school, a junior high “annex” to the current junior/senior high school, security and high school locker room upgrades. The district also promised a $4 million matching grant from the state that could only be used if the bond were approved.