Dear Junction City Community,
In May of 2024, voters chose not to approve the district's proposed general obligation bond. While we were disappointed by the outcome, it provided us with an opportunity to re-engage with our community, reassess the district's most critical facilities needs, and develop a more focused and cost-effective proposal.
After conducting another review of the Long Range Facilities Assessment, surveying the community and with input from a Facilities Advisory Committee made up of dedicated local residents, we returned to the drawing board. Together, we crafted a revised proposal that addresses our district's most pressing issues at a reduced cost. The School Board approved this at the February 24, 2025 board meeting for placement on the May 2025 ballot.
Here are the numbers: $40 Million Bond Funding, 20-year Term
$6 Million in Matching Funds from State OSCIM Grant
$46 Million Total Funds for Projects
Current Bond Rate is $1.36 per $1000 of Assessed Property Value
Current Bond will be paid off in June 2026
Proposed Bond would increase rate by $0.44 per $1000 of Assessed Property Value
New Bond Rate would be $1.80 per $1000 of Assessed Property Value
Below is an overview of the proposed May 2025 Bond:
Local Control to Maximize Community Investment: A citizen oversight committee will monitor all bond project spending, ensuring transparency and accountability. We will also secure an additional $6 million through the OSCIM grant and focus on energy-saving initiatives that provide both immediate financial relief and long-term utility savings.
Safety & Security Upgrades: We will remove hazardous materials, such as asbestos, and install modern safety systems, including updated fire alarms, security cameras, advanced locking systems, and secure entryways at all schools. These upgrades will provide a safer environment for our students and staff.
Critical Facilities Upgrades: The bond will fund essential repairs, including fixing leaky roofs, replacing outdated pipes, upgrading HVAC and electrical systems, and addressing overcrowding. These improvements ensure that classrooms are warm, safe, dry, accessible, and conducive to modern learning.
If these needs remain unaddressed, the costs for repairs will only increase over time. This will force the district to continue reallocating funds from the classroom to cover growing maintenance expenses—an unsustainable approach that impacts the quality of education we can provide.
We look forward to continuing this conversation with you and sharing how this proposal will meet the critical needs of our schools and community.
Thank you for your ongoing support of Junction City students and schools.
Troy Stoops
Superintendent