A LOOK INSIDE October 2017 Nationally-renowned speaker Keith Deltano holds unity assemblies, page 13 HSD's Bond page 3 The district goes out for a $408 million capital construction bond on the Nov. 7 ballot; the bond would not increase the current tax rate. Superintendent's Message Career & College Pathways Volunteers & Donations Strong schools = strong community Dual credit, CTE programs expand Support to HSD runs strong page 2 page 13 page 14 Feeder Updates: Century 4 | Glencoe 5 | Hilhi 6 | Liberty 7 n Hillsboro Online Academy 10 | Miller Education Center 10 n Calendars 8-9 n Volunteers 14 n Community Partners 15 3083 NE 49th Place l Hillsboro, OR 97124 503.844.1500 l www.hsd.k12.or.us 2 │ A LOOK INSIDE Hillsboro School District October 2017 maximize the educational experience of our investments than general obligation bonds students, we believe we can have a measur- that are voted on and approved by the prop- erty owners that live in the school district’s students graduating with career- and college- attendance area. readinessable impact skills on byour focusing strategic on theobjective agreements of all and commitments in our 2016-2021 Strategic “But surely they wouldn’t build out South Plan of connecting students to community, Hillsboro and have no schools there?” we’ve culture and career. heard, and have had to say that’s exactly what would happen until and unless voters pass a two top goals within each of those categories: Superintendent’s Message For this year’s work plan, we have identified Thebond Legislature to finance thosedid enact projects. a law (ORS 320.176) Community in 2007 to allow for the collection of Construc- Superintendent Mike Scott comments on major topics • Develop a system for tracking students’ tion Excise Tax (CET) on construction per- for the 2017-18 school year. connection to adult advocates, participa- mits for both residential and nonresidential tion in activities/athletics, interests, etc. construction and remodeling, with various A strong school system is essential to a thriv- • Increase the number of community service exceptions, to provide school districts with ing community. Regardless of whether or not and/or career-related internships completed some funds for capital improvements. Since you currently have, had in the past, or will by high school students. March of 2008, when CET collections began ever have school-age children, schools are an Culture from the City of Hillsboro, City of Cornelius, important part of a community’s economic • Expand and support wellness centers in and Washington County, the District has col- and social vitality for a variety of reasons: our schools. lected approximately $8.8 million, which has • Increase the number of English learners been used for a variety of facilities mainte- • Resident and business growth. People and earning six or more high school credits by businesses move to locations with good the end of their ninth-grade year. schools so their children, or their employ- Career Consideringnance projects. that, at today’s prices, construct- ees’ children, can get a great education. • Increase math scores overall and within ing a new elementary school would cost • Home values. An expanding population, certain key groups. approximately $40 million, a new middle business growth, and good schools are all • Increase the number of prioritized highly- school $80 million, and a new high school factors that contribute to a strong housing effective strategies utilized by teachers $120 million or more, CET—while very much market and increased home values. in the classroom in the areas of purpose, appreciated and helpful—is not a realistic • Arts and culture. Schools offer amazing (and engagement, and assessment. way for Oregon school districts to build new inexpensive!) arts and culture opportuni- schools. ties that are open to the public. From drama Taken together, these goals represent a the- productions to band and choir performanc- ory of action whereby students will achieve Money the District collects annually in prop- es to dance competitions to art shows and success if they are known by name, strength, erty taxes and from the State School Fund more, our schools have it all! and need so supports, enrichments, oppor- goes primarily to operational expenses like • Community pride. Youth are a source of pride tunities, and connections can be made for and can bolster a community’s sense of them in schools and in the community; are While there is some money to support day-to- identity. When students accomplish great immersed in a positive, supportive, and inclu- daystaffing, maintenance instructional of facilities materials, and supplies, infrastruc etc.- things or win awards or compete in sports sive school and classroom environment that or activities, we celebrate with them and it enables learning; and are offered learning wait for bonds. helps bind us together. experiences that are engaging, have clear ture, larger projects and investments must • Workforce development. What better way to purpose, and are appropriately assessed to We are hopeful about our current bond and all recruit a talented workforce than to grow it? gauge understanding. it could do for our schools and our students. I By working with K-12 schools, trade organi- encourage you to learn more by reading this zations, and higher education partners, lo- Learn more about our 2017-18 Work Plan and newsletter and visiting our website at www. cal employers can ensure that students are SMART Goals and 2016-21 Strategic Plan by Hillsboro-Bond.org. And please feel free to reach receiving the types of training and skills that visiting www.hsd.k12.or.us/strategicplan. out to us if you have any questions or need additional information. • Safety. When schools engage students and Capital Construction Bond keepwill prepare them involved, them to fillthey jobs are in lessthe future.likely to The next page of this newsletter talks all about Measure 98 Funding Supports participate in unsafe behaviors. Also, when the $408 million capital construction bond Attendance, Graduation Attainment, school buildings and grounds are main- we have placed on the November 2017 bal- CTE Expansion lot. But before you read that, I wanted to take Last November, Measure 98—also known as equipment, the surrounding community is a moment to explain some aspects of school the High School Graduation and College and safertained as and well. outfitted with modern safety Career Readiness Act of 2016—passed by a For these reasons and more, I am excited Asfinance we have in our been state. out talking to people about measure called for school districts to receive about all of the great things that are happen- the bond, we have encountered a common targetedtwo-thirds funding majority in ofsupport Oregon of voters.attendance, This ing in our district that will serve to make our misconception that, if the bond doesn’t pass, graduation attainment, and the expansion of schools stronger. there will be some other way for new schools career-technical education (CTE). to get built or for large investments in tech- Commitment to Community, Culture nology and our current infrastructure to take Hillsboro School District is receiving $5.9 and Career place—that simply isn’t the case. There is million in the 2017-19 biennium ($2.9 Though there is much work to be done in all no other funding mechanism in Oregon for areas of the District to ensure we continually school construction or other large capital continued on page 13 HSD MIssion: ENgage and challenge all learners to ensure academic excellence October 2017 A LOOK INSIDE Hillsboro School District │ 3 Key Things to Know • Would raise $408 million for needed safety and security, new construction, current infrastructure investment, and student achievement projects. • Would touch every school in our district. • Would not increase the current tax rate of $2.24/$1,000 of assessed value. • Would generate at least $6 million in state matching funds if approved. Hillsboro School District is going out for a $408 million • Is the only mechanism for building capital construction bond on the upcoming ballot in new schools and making large capital investments in our district. November (Measure #34-278). • Projects would be completed in five years; bond would be financed over 20 years; next construction bond ask Remember to vote on Nov. 7! anticipated in nine years (2026). The Hillsboro School District Board of Directors has voted to place a Solution: The bond would update our schools to provide a modern edu- $408 million capital construction bond on the November 2017 bal- cational environment, which would include technology, labs, and spaces lot. The bond would prioritize safety and security, update and repair for hands-on learning. These modern spaces would expand access to up-to-date job aging school buildings, address overcrowding while planning for future training opportunities in partnership with Portland Community College and local growth, and provide a modern education for students. employers, giving students a head start on careers and college. The bond would renew the existing tax rate of $2.24/$1000 assessed Wise Use of Taxpayer Dollars value and would not increase the current property tax rate. Hillsboro School District taxpayers want to know their money is being spent wisely and that the organizations receiving Prioritize Safety and Security Making sure our school campuses are safe and secure for our would: students, staff and families is a chief priority. Unfortunately, their tax dollars are frugal and fiscally-responsible. If passed, the bond some of our schools lack important modern safety features such as Maintain Current Tax Rate doors that lock from the inside, emergency alert systems, and security This bond would renew the existing tax rate ($2.24/$1000 assessed cameras. value), and would not increase the current property tax rate.