School Funding Measures on the May 17 Ballot

Two tax measures that would provide local funding for Eugene public schools are on the May 17 election ballot.

4J Bond Measure (Measure 20-183)

Voters in the Eugene School District will decide whether to maintain the current property tax rate for schools in order to:

• Provide better instructional facilities for students
• Support instruction by shifting some building repair costs out of the district’s operating budget

The bond measure would provide $70 million to maintain and improve basic building systems and student learning and activity areas, including:

• Major repairs and replacements of capital systems, including roofing, plumbing, heating, electrical, safety/security, paving and energy conservation measures
• Additions and remodels at several schools to better serve students
• Building improvements and repairs currently funded from 4J’s General Fund
• Technology infrastructure upgrades, telephone system replacements, new student data information system and enhanced classroom technology
• Instructional systems support — space modifications to provide for larger class sizes and distance learning, classroom instructional technology and instructional materials
• List of proposed projects

If the bond measure is approved in May:

• The property tax rate for the Eugene School District would stay the same.
• Taxpayers would save about $23 million in total interest costs over 21 years, due to federal support for school district bonds. This short-term opportunity may not be available after the May election.

By law, bond money can only be spent on capital facilities (such as buildings, athletic fields and parking lots), equipment and technology. It cannot be used to pay for teachers, school days or school programs.

City Income Tax for Schools (Measure 20-182)

Voters in the City of Eugene will decide whether to approve a temporary income tax to support Eugene 4J and Bethel schools.

Funds from the temporary income tax could only be used to:

• Maintain instructional days for students
• Reduce anticipated increases in class size

The income tax would provide an estimated $16.8 million overall ($12 million to Eugene School District 4J) each year for four years.

This would reduce 4J’s projected $20–$22 million budget shortfall, but would not eliminate it.

Voting Information

The ballot you receive from Lane County Elections will include the measure or measures you are eligible to vote on. Only City of Eugene voters may vote on the city income tax measure. Only 4J residents may vote on the bond measure.

Ballots must be received in the Lane County Elections office (275 W. 10th Ave., Eugene) or at a designated drop site by 8:00 p.m. on election night. Postmarks do not count. 

More About the 4J Bond Measure & City Income Tax Measure

  4J Info Sheet on Both Measures (English / Spanish)
NOTE: The original info sheet contained an error in the taxpayer examples. This is the corrected version.

Bond Measure Project List
Temporary City Income Tax – Measure Info  
Temporary City Income Tax – Rate Tables 
Voter Registration & Election Info