Election Day is May 20, and voters should receive their ballots soon. Those who live in the Portland Public Schools District are being asked to approve an important school bond renewal. Measure 26-259 renews the current tax rate, delivers critical repairs to aging schools across Portland, and completes the modernization of our high schools. 

This bond is a generational investment, ensuring students and families have access to high-quality high schools no matter where they live in the district for decades to come. Duniway PTA has endorsed the school bond, and we urge you to vote YES. 

Measure 26-259 DOES NOT increase tax rates–it is a renewal of the rate we already pay. That rate, $2.50 per $1,000 in assessed value, will stay the same. Renewing the rate allows us to raise almost $1.83 billion for important investment in our schools. 

Portland's students deserve schools that are safe, comfortable, and ready for the future. Right now, too many of our schools–some over a century old–are struggling. That’s why this bond measure will invest in upgrading outdated heating and cooling systems and aging plumbing and roofs. Our students need updated classrooms that are warm, safe, and dry. 

With respect to seismic safety, our region is at risk of experiencing a large earthquake, and too many older buildings were not built with this reality in mind. This bond will invest in seismic reinforcements to make our schools stronger and more resilient and keep our teachers and students safe. 

In 2012, a promise was made about modernizing every PPS High School-yet, Cleveland High School (and Ida B. Wells and Jefferson) still await modernization. Approving this bond will keep that promise. Every student deserves access to a high-quality high school, and voters can make that happen by approving Measure 26-259. Please vote YES.