Welcome to the Gervais School District, where we are facing a critical juncture in addressing our facility needs. In May of 2022, and again in May of 2023, the district proposed a bond to tackle these challenges, marking the latest efforts in a series of historical bond attempts. Since 1997, we have sought support from our community on eight occasions, seeking funding ranging from $4 million to $18 million, yet we remain without success. The last successful bond, passed in 1990 for $1.3 million, built the elementary school cafeteria and gym. In the last decade, we had to sell off property, generating just over $3 million in revenue, much of which was used for needed repairs. Even with these measures, the issues persist. Our schools are aging and in need of repairs and updates.

We are at a pivotal moment, compelled to ensure safe learning environments for our students and staff. Another failed bond attempt may force the school board into considering closure and consolidation with neighboring districts, as no other financial avenues can address the magnitude of our facility needs. While it might be tempting to sidestep this challenge, it is the very mindset that has brought us to this juncture. We owe it to our students to confront this issue head-on. The district is committed to discerning what the community will support. Our goal is to put a bond on the ballot, secure its passage, and finally address these facility concerns, allowing us to focus on the business of providing quality education in warm, dry, and safe environments.

Gervais Middle School - Only enclosed hallway in the building

Gervais Elementary School - Water damage shown around windows

Gervais Elementary - The only current heat source is radiator heat. These railings are in place to minimize fire and injury risk.

Gervais High School gym roof - white patches show excessive repairs. This building is considered 25% moist - industry standard deems it unrepairable.

Gervais Elementary School - Plywood ceiling with dry rot

Gervais Middle School gym - this is the only communal space for GMS students.

Gervias High School football locker room

Gervais High School - single pane windows, limited ventilation on weights room. Boarded up portion shows where window was removed to place electrical panel.

Gervais School Bond FAQ’s

The Gervais School District

Gervais High School has about 300 students and offers something for everyone. Most classes have Honors options, challenging students to go above and beyond. In addition, advanced courses are offered in Math and Science.
Also, 25% of each cohort of students take AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) classes, and AVID strategies are promoted throughout the entire school. Why AVID? Regardless of their life circumstances, AVID students overcome obstacles and achieve success. They graduate and attend college at higher rates, but more importantly, they can think critically, collaborate, and set high expectations to confidently conquer the challenges that await them.
Gervais High School also partners with Chemeketa Community College to offer advanced courses as well.
In addition, students are given the option of taking courses in four distinct CTE areas: Agriculture, Construction, Art, and Medical Skills. These CTE strands offer numerous courses. In addition, Gervais High School partners with Willamette Career Academy (WCA) in Salem - students in this program spend half their day at WCA and half their day at GHS, taking courses in Cosmetology, Medical Skills, Diesel Mechanics, Construction, Manufacturing, and Information Technology.
New this year is the addition of a College and Career Advisor, who arranges for guest speakers from various colleges and businesses to visit the school. Tuesdays are Industry Tuesdays, where students can chat with different industry professionals about what it takes to get a job in that field. Thursdays are College Rep Thursdays, so students can hear about college life and ask questions.
GHS has numerous opportunities outside the classroom for students as well. This past fall, the boy’s football team made it all the way to the state quarterfinals - the first time since 1953 that the football team made the playoffs. Last year, the girls basketball team won the state championship title. But it’s not just athletics. Clubs such as Aguilas de Oro - immersing students in the Latin heritage through dance and food, FFA (Future Farmers of America), and yearbook are just a few of the options available.
To learn more about Gervais High School, go to https://www.gervais.k12.or.us/home-gervais-high-school/
GMS offers a variety of extra activities for students based on the learning needs of individuals and student preferences. We offer a full sports program throughout the school year, including co-ed soccer, volleyball, football, boys’ and girls’ basketball, wrestling, cross country, and track. Our students are encouraged to participate in these programs, and we take pride in no one being cut from our teams.
GMS also offers a rich after-school program that includes Dungeons and Dragons, chess, crochet, homework help, and, beginning this spring, a boxing club. In addition, GMS has an active student council program and 7th/8th grade leadership. Also, 6th grade students participate in Outdoor School. Annually, the school hosts a career day for students.
Each December, GMS holds a canned food drive and Secret Santa gifts for children/families in the school district. Boxes of food and presents for the children are delivered right before winter break to many families in the area.
Gervais Elementary School offers a variety of programs and interventions for every student targeted at their level. To maintain small class sizes, the school added classroom teachers this year.
Thanks to a two-year grant awarded by the Oregon Department of Education, GES offers 22 after-school clubs, including gardening, coding, robotics, art, Latin music and dance, sewing, chess, basketball, and soccer - just to name a few. Approximately 70 percent of students participate in any given session, with all sessions led by GES teachers and staff. Also funded by the grant are monthly family activities, including art night, board game night, STEAM, family coding, field day, bingo, and literacy.
The school partners with OHSU (Oregon Health Sciences University) nurses to do universal screenings for each student. The Woodburn Kiwanis Club donates books yearly for every first grader to take home. Once a week, the Woodburn Public Library parks its Bookmobile in front of the school - encouraging students and their families to read.
Gervais Elementary School prioritizes student safety and maintains a welcoming and secure campus. Buildings and classrooms are clean and frequently sanitized to help keep kids healthy. We have staff at every entrance, welcoming each student by name when they arrive. Staff are approachable and communicate with families using multiple tools and languages. The school maintains that small-town family feeling by knowing and taking an interest in every student and their family.

How Schools Affect the Local Community

Communities with good schools can impact home values, encourage people to stay and invest in the local area, and can supply the local economy with better-skilled workers. Additionally, good schools can improve community pride, connections, and a sense of belonging.
A community with good schools can positively affect home values, area pride, and business attractiveness and help shape the future workforce. Students can go on to be skilled workers and engaged citizens who contribute to the local economy and community in various ways.
School facilities provide community organizations with gathering spaces for sporting activities and various events.

Finances

Information about the Gervais School District’s finances can be found on the district website at https://www.gervais.k12.or.us/budget-documents/
To see the most recently adopted budget, go to https://www.gervais.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Adopted-Budget-22.23.pdf
Taxpayers residing in the Gervais School District are not currently paying on a bond and only pay the permanent tax rate of $4.64 per $1,000 of assessed value. That money goes to the State of Oregon, which determines how the money is to be divided per pupil. Once that is determined, a portion of your tax dollars are allocated back to the district and become part of the general fund. School districts use general funds to pay for salaries, maintenance, food services, and other district expenditures.
Each taxpayer will have to make their own decision about whether they feel investing in their school facilities is a good investment. Each year the district invites the community to budget meetings to review and understand exactly how the district manages resources and operations.
The assessed value of a home is generally used for tax purposes, including calculating the bond rate. Oregon began using assessed value for tax purposes through the passage of Measure 50 in 1997. Though homeowners usually want their property values to grow over time, in this case, it’s better when the home’s value is lower. That’s because the higher the assessed value, the higher the property taxes.
Market value is used by lenders, buyers, and sellers to estimate the appropriate selling price given current market conditions. It’s essentially the value that assessors attempt to come up with before applying the assessment rate. An easy way to think about market value is this: What would a prospective buyer be willing to spend on a particular home, and/or what would the seller be willing to accept if it were sold today?
For more information about how to understand your tax bill, go to the Marion County Tax Assessor’s website at https://www.co.marion.or.us/AO/Pages/default.aspx
To find out the assessed value of your property, go to the Marion County Assessor’s website at https://www.co.marion.or.us/AO.
For more information about your tax statement, go to https://www.co.marion.or.us/AO/TAX/Pages/default.aspx
The property combined sold for just a little over $3 million. The money was used to do some improvements/repairs on our three remaining schools. In addition, a portion of the money was used for technology.
Presently, we have approximately $640,000 remaining from the sale of district properties and no more assets to liquidate. The district's operational budget, provided by the State of Oregon, primarily covers staffing costs, leaving insufficient funds for necessary renovations or upgrades. This predicament is a common challenge for districts across the state. Over the years, the Gervais School District has pursued other funding sources, including grants and assistance in getting state legislative action for school funding.
Throughout the duration of the 25-year bond, the district is not able to collect any more than the $28.13 million proposed to the voters. Should rates go up and more money is collected, the bond would be paid off earlier.
It is possible that the bond could change. Housing construction, area growth/decline, and home values could all contribute to changing the rate per thousand of assessed value.
The property tax rate to pay off the bonds is currently calculated using estimates of assessed value and estimates of actual interest rates when the bonds are sold. The Marion County Assessor will calculate the actual property tax rate needed to make the first year's payment on the bonds if the bond measure passes on May 21, 2024. The first year and every subsequent year after that the Assessor will make that actual rate calculation based on the actual assessed property values of Gervais School District and the bond payments that are due in that particular year. If the current estimates for assessed value and bond payments vary each year from the actual numbers, then the rate could stay the same, decrease or increase.
Once the debt is paid off, the taxpayers are no longer taxed. The school district can only collect the amount they asked for in the bond measure.

Community Oversight

The School Board will appoint a long-term citizens bond oversight committee to review bond expenditures and ensure that bond projects are implemented as voters intended.
The Gervais School District will appoint a citizens bond oversight committee made up of community members, parents, and district staff to actively monitor the progress of the bond program, and ensure bond revenues are used only for purposes consistent with the voter-approved 2024 bond measure and consistent with state law. The bond oversight committee will report to the Gervais School Board.

District Dissolution and Consolidation

Due to the deteriorating conditions of some facilities and the recent failed bond efforts, the survey included questions gauging the community’s feelings about closing the district and consolidating with other area school districts. While this is a step no one wants to take, the school board recognizes the need to familiarize themselves with the process in the case of future bond failures. To see a copy of the letter that was sent to all parents and registered voters in the district - click here:
https://www.gervais.k12.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Letter-from-Superintendent-Re-Bond-ENG-SS.pdf
The only way for a district to sponsor itself as a public charter school is if there is only one school in the district AND if the district is a remote and necessary school district on the date the school first begins operation as a public charter school. Gervais would not qualify for either of these distinctions.
To become a charter school, the district would still need to dissolve, merge with a contiguous district, and then follow the process of becoming a charter school with the new district. More information on charter schools can be found at the Oregon Department of Education site dedicated to charter schools.
If the Gervais School District consolidates with another district, taxpayers in the district will become part of that school district’s taxing area and would be taxed at their current bond rate. In reality, it would cost taxpayers less to pass the Gervais School Bond than it would to consolidate. Other factors to consider is that students will be bused to the new district, which may be further away than their current school.
Because of the condition of our schools, it is likely the buildings and property will be sold and there will no longer be any actual school buildings in the city of Gervais.
Regarding the discussion of closure and consolidation of the Gervais School District with neighboring districts, we want to be clear that we have only begun to have initial discussions and no concrete plans have been set into motion. Currently, the board is not actively pursuing the closure or consolidation of the district with neighboring districts.

The State of Our Schools and Facilities

According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, the average age of public school buildings in the United States is between 40-44 years of age, with most schools becoming obsolete after age 60.
Gervais Elementary School was built in 1934, making it 89 years old and Gervais High School was built in 1963, making it 60 years old. The fact that these buildings continue to be operational and utilized for student learning at these extreme ages speaks to the care and maintenance we have provided over the years. The way we accomplished this was by using general funds and by selling off some of the district’s properties.
Gervais Middle School consists of modular classroom buildings with no common areas that were put in in 2013. With proper care, temporary modular buildings have a service life of at least 25 to 30 years, after which the components are typically repurposed or recycled.
Many of America’s schools may be at an age where frequent repairs are necessary. According to Ornstein (1994), when a school is 20 to 30 years old, frequent replacement of equipment is needed. Between 30 and 40 years old, the original equipment should have been replaced, including the roof and electrical equipment. After 40 years, a school building begins rapid deterioration, and after 60 years most schools are abandoned.
Gervais High School was founded in 1834. The current facility built in 1963 is over 60 years old and the elementary school built in 1934 is approaching 90 years old. This means the electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling systems are inefficient and out-of-date.
Gervais Middle School isn't really a school building. It is a prefabricated structure designed for young elementary school children, not growing adolescents. And while the structures cannot be considered an aging building, there are several issues that need to be fixed. To reduce crowding, classroom spaces need to be expanded and lockers removed from the hallways. The school was built to house classrooms and not common spaces, The middle school needs a new multipurpose building to house STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs, performing arts and other important activities, as well as a cafeteria (students currently need to go to the high school for lunch, creating scheduling issues.) Like the other schools, the middle school also needs security upgrades.
The Gervais High School cafeteria is too small to accommodate all the high school students at one time, but because they have to share the cafeteria with the middle school, the high school is now required to have only one lunch period. Prior to having to share the cafeteria space, the high school could create a master schedule that would allow for two lunch periods. Because of the lack of space, many students sit on the floor to eat or to go to a classroom if the teacher is available during that time to unlock the room and supervise.
There are several reasons why a public school might choose to build new facilities instead of simply adding modular structures. Modular structures are typically considered temporary solutions, while new buildings are designed to last for many decades. This long-term perspective enables the school to be designed to seamlessly integrate with the existing campus architecture and layout. This ensures a cohesive environment for students, staff, and the community. New facilities can be custom-designed to meet the specific educational needs and requirements of the school. This includes specialized classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and other spaces that may not be easily accommodated in modular structures. New construction allows for greater flexibility in designing spaces that can be adapted to changing educational methods and technologies. This can include features like flexible learning spaces, advanced technology infrastructure, and energy-efficient systems. New construction allows for the incorporation of the latest advancements in sustainable and energy-efficient building practices. This can lead to long-term cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint.
While modular structures can be a cost-effective and quick solution for addressing immediate capacity needs, they may not always provide the same level of long-term benefits and customization as new construction.
Building a school typically costs more than constructing a residential or small commercial building for a variety of reasons including:
- specialized design and functionality
- the size and scale of the building
- higher occupancy load
- regulatory compliance
- educational standards
- specialized accommodations, and
- safety requirements
Schools require specialized design features to meet educational needs. This includes:
- classrooms
- science labs
- libraries
- gymnasiums
- administrative offices
Each of these spaces must be carefully designed to support effective teaching and learning.
Schools are generally larger in terms of both square footage and overall scale compared to residential buildings. Schools have higher occupancy loads compared to residential buildings. This requires more extensive infrastructure, including fire safety systems, plumbing, electrical systems, and ventilation, to ensure the safety and well-being of a large number of people.
There are specific educational standards and regulations set by state and national educational authorities that school districts must comply with which can increase construction costs. This includes requirements for classroom size, accessibility, technology infrastructure, and safety features. School buildings must comply with local zoning codes, building permits, and adherence to educational facility standards.
In addition, schools often have specialized amenities like sports facilities, auditoriums, music rooms, and computer and science laboratories. These facilities require additional construction and maintenance costs. Schools may need extensive site preparation, including grading, utilities, parking lots, and outdoor play areas. This can be more complex and costly compared to the site requirements for a residential building. Schools must be designed to accommodate a diverse range of students, including those with disabilities. This may require additional features such as ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
Schools also require specific security measures to ensure the safety of students and staff. This can include controlled access points, security systems, and emergency response protocols, which can add to construction costs.
Gervais Elementary School - Built in 1934. Remodeled and additions in and 1973, 1990 and the addition of Gervais Elementary Modulars - Constructed in 2013
Gervais Middle School Modulars - consisting of two prefabricated modular buildings, was constructed in 2013 as the district consolidated to provide a separate facility for 6th through 8th graders. It provides classrooms but no common areas.
Gervais High School - Built in 1963

Bond Projects

- Improve and remodel student and community restrooms | $308,390
- New secure doors for lockdowns | $58,344
- Secure entry (vestibule) and wheelchair access | $850,155
- Safety modifications at K-2 building to limit access to street | $41,674
- Roof replacement | $430,438
- Exterior improvements - window replacement, trim, flashing & painting | $208,371
- Interior Improvements - ceiling, flooring, walls & paint | $208,371
- HVAC - replace heating and ventilation system | $3,062,408
- Electrical - replace switchboard, panelboard, transformers & rewiring | $879,034
- New construction - classrooms, main office, secure entry, cafeteria, kitchen, science lab, library, storage & restrooms | $16,327,976
- Remodel existing classrooms to make larger with storage, new counseling center & restrooms | $1,551,280
- Exterior building repairs | $75,014
- Covered walkway connections between buildings | $250,046
- Upgrades to current security systems | $125,023
- New parking, sidewalks, and off site improvements | $625,114
- Upgrade science labs - ventilation, plumbing & electrical | $250,046
- Remodel business/leadership class and add student store | $208,371
- Remodel student restrooms | $200,036
- Remodel locker rooms | $729,300
- Replace roof | $3,583,987
- ADA access to gym mezzanine and remodel weightlifting facility | $116,668
- Exterior improvements - replace windows, damaged doors, walls & paint | $134,525
- Interior improvements - replace flooring, ceiling, wall surfaces & paint | $333,394
- Secure entrance (vestibule) | $400,073
- Safety and intrusion hardening | $300,055
- HVAC and ventilation upgrades | $416,743
- Add air conditioning to cafeteria, kitchen, offices & gym | $660,120
- HVAC and ventilation upgrade in shop classrooms | $96,684
- Districtwide security system upgrades | $310,000
Following the bond being approved by voters, the district will start the process of hiring a contractor to work with the district’s architect to start the design and planning phase. The district will work with the contractors and architects to create a project timeline projecting when projects will start and be completed.
The district will prioritize scheduling projects during summer break. If projects are scheduled while school is in session, plans will be made to ensure there are limited disruptions, and safety plans will be created to protect students.

General Obligation Bond Questions

A bond issue is used by a public school district to finance school facility projects or other capital projects. Measures are placed on the ballot along with information about the specific projects that would be completed by the district if approved by the voting public.
By law, General Obligation Bond funds can only be used for the capital projects outlined in the ballot explanatory statement. These funds cannot be used for items such as PERS, salaries, or other employee expenses, nor can they be used for routine maintenance or supplies.
The residents and property owners in the Gervais School District do not pay taxes for a general obligation bond and have not since 2004. The district last passed a bond more than 30 years ago in 1990. Taxpayers residing in the district only pay the permanent tax rate of $4.64 per $1,000 of assessed value.
Below is a comparison of the tax rates for other school districts in Oregon:
School District Levy Rates in Neighboring Districts
Permanent Rate:
- $4.64 per $1,000 | Gervais SD
- $4.85 per $1,000 | St. Paul SD
- $4.63 per $1,000 | Mt. Angel SD
- $4.52 per $1,000 | Salem-Keizer SD
- $4.55 per $1,000 | Silver Falls SD
- $4.52 per $1,000 | Woodburn SD
Bond Rate:
- $0.00 per $1,000 | Gervais SD
- $3.85 per $1,000 | St Paul SD
- $4.08 per $1,000 | Mt. Angel SD*
- $2.76 per $1,000 | Salem-Keizer SD
- $1.96 per $1,000 | Silver Falls SD
- $2.44 per $1,000 | Woodburn SD
It has been over 30 years since voters passed a general obligation bond for school facilities. The last bond built the current cafeteria and gym used by the elementary school. Below is the history of bonds on the ballot since 1990:
- 1990 - $1.315 million bond to build the middle school cafeteria and gym (now serving the elementary school). This bond was paid off in 2004. This bond was supported by 54% of voters.
- May 1997 - $18 million bond to improve and expand failed with 74% voting “no”
- March 1998 - $9.8 million bond to improve and expand failed with 63% voting “no”
- May 1998 - $10.6 million bond to improve and expand failed with 75% voting “no”
- May 2003 - $17 million bond to build new high school failed with 75% voting “no”
- November 2005 - $4 million bond failed with 58% voting “no”
- November 2012 - $4.2 million bond failed with 57% voting “no”
- May 2022 - $31 million bond failed with 57% voting “no”
- May 2023 - $24.49 million bond failed with 57% voting “no”
To vote on a school bond, residents must live within the Gervais School District and be registered to vote. In order to be registered to vote, you must be a US citizen and 18 years old.
Oregonians can register to vote after their 16th birthday, but you will not receive a ballot or be eligible to vote until an election occurs on or after your 18th birthday.
To register to vote, go to https://secure.sos.state.or.us/orestar/vr/register.do?lang=eng&source=sos
The Gervais School District spends approximately $19 million on education; the largest portion of the general fund revenue comes from the Oregon Department of Education. The District uses these operating funds to pay for teachers, classroom support, technology, and education programs.
In Oregon, it’s up to each local community to invest their resources, via a local capital improvement bond, to update and build schools. Therefore school facilities and conditions vary widely from one community to the next.
District Bond Rates Chart
- Cascade School District - $1.13 per $1,000 of assessed value
- Jefferson School District - $1.41 per $1,000 of assessed value
- Mt. Angel School District - $4.08 per $1,000 of assessed value
- North Marion School District - $1.63 per $1,000 of assessed value
- North Santiam School District - $1.18 per $1,000 of assessed value
- Salem-Keizer School District - $2.76 per $1,000 of assessed value
- Silver Falls School District - $1.96 per $1,000 of assessed value
- St. Paul School District - $3.85 per $1,000 of assessed value
- Woodburn School District - $2.44 per $1,000 of assessed value
- Gervais School District - $0.00 per $1,000 of assessed value
There are four scheduled election dates each year in Oregon: March (2nd Tuesday), May (3rd Tuesday), August (4th Tuesday), and November (1st Tuesday following a Monday).
For more information about elections, go to https://www.co.marion.or.us/CO/elections/Pages/default.aspx

Facility Grants

The Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching (OSCIM) Program provides matching grants to districts that pass a local general obligation bond. If the Gervais community decides to invest in their local schools, the state will provide Gervais School District with $6,000,000 matching grant. If approved, the bonds and matching grant will provide the Gervais School District with additional funds for facility improvements.
The Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program (SRGP) is a state of Oregon competitive grant program that provides funding for the seismic rehabilitation of critical public buildings, particularly public schools and emergency services facilities.
The Gervais School District has a TAP grant that will expire in 2025. The district is eligible to apply for the OSCIM grant and Seismic grant prior to this expiring. The district plans to submit for both grants to provide additional funding to address needed renovations.
The Technical Assistance Program (TAP) helps districts plan for capital improvements and expansion so they can better inform their communities about deferred maintenance needs, future enrollment, and explore sources of funding for school facilities. TAP provides four types of grants to school districts to cover or offset the costs of conducting:
1. Facilities Condition Assessments
2. Long-Range Facility Planning
3. Seismic Assessments
4. Environmental Hazard Assessments
The Facilities Assessment and Long-Range Facility Plan are required as part of the Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching (OSCIM) Program grant application. The Seismic Assessment is a required component of the application to Business Oregon’s Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program, through which school districts can apply for funding to retrofit buildings.
This is a competitive grant, open to any public school district, education service district, public school, public charter school in Oregon.
The intent of the CTE Revitalization Grant is to strengthen existing CTE Programs of Study (POS) and create new CTE POS that will meet workforce needs in high-skill, high-wage, in-demand occupations; support achievement of the Oregon diploma; and address the needs of historically and currently marginalized youth, learners, and families, including civil rights protected classes.
The Gervais School District applied in November to receive a grant for $250,000 to fund the renovation of the old “home economics” room. This room has not been renovated since the building opened in the mid 1960s. The high school would like to offer a new CTE program that focuses on the hospitality industry with a business focus for our students.