Bond Project Phasing Update - February 2025
As we move forward with the exciting improvements made possible by our recently passed bond, we want to share the phased approach we are taking to ensure the greatest impact on our students and staff. While it would be our desire to start all projects immediately, as all elementary schools are in need, we must do this work in phases. Each phase has been carefully planned to prioritize the most pressing needs for our students’ experience while maintaining efficiency and financial responsibility.
Phase One: Laying the Foundation (2025)
The first phase of our bond projects is already underway and will focus on our district’s fields and grounds improvements at OCHS and Pioneer Stadium, we will also begin our work in upgrading our Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs.
Our district has hired consultant partners to survey and provide geotechnical work to assist the design of our fields and grounds projects at OCHS. This is required work for the improvements to the fields at OCHS.
Phase Two: Addressing Critical Elementary School Needs
The second phase will focus on three elementary schools: John McLoughlin (JME), Holcomb, and Candy Lane. The design phase for these projects will begin this fall and construction could begin late spring or early summer of 2026. These schools were selected based on the significant challenges they face, which directly impacts student experience.
At John McLoughlin Elementary, the lack of walls in its open-concept design creates an environment where students struggle to hear and focus. As one of our largest elementary schools, JME also faces space limitations, particularly in its cafeteria and support spaces, which makes daily routines more challenging for students and staff.
Holcomb Elementary presents another set of challenges. We anticipate the need to add square footage to accommodate students adequately. The cafeteria, even smaller than JME’s, further limits functionality and will require expansion. Its current building layout does not support efficient movement of students throughout the day. Additionally, due to Holcomb’s wall construction, it is one of the hottest schools in our district.
Candy Lane Elementary had recent renovations completed, so it’s a good school to pair with the others as our last school for additional work in this first phase. The planned improvements align well with the overall scope and scheduling of work, allowing us to get projects rolling efficiently.
Phase Three: Continuing Elementary School Improvements
Once Phase Two is underway, we will shift our focus to the three other elementary schools: Gaffney Lane, Beavercreek, and Redland. While their design phase will start in 2025 into 2026, we are forecasting construction work on these projects to begin in spring of 2027, maximizing the bulk of the work that summer as well.
Phase Four: Additional Projects Based on Available Funds
The final phase will focus on other projects across the district, depending on remaining funds and identified needs at that time. By carefully sequencing these improvements, we aim to make the most of our resources while ensuring that promises made are promises kept and our students and staff benefit from updated, functional learning environments.
What’s Happening Right Now:
1. At the end of January we worked through the process to establish and receive our district’s bond rating. We are proud to announce that our district has maintained an A+ bond rating, with an AA+ enhancement through the Oregon School Bond Guarantee (OSBG) Program.
This rating reflects our district’s strong financial management and stability. The A+ rating indicates a strong ability to meet financial commitments, while the AA+ OSBG enhancement provides additional security through the state’s guarantee program. This helps lower borrowing costs, allowing us to maximize the investment of our 2024 bond funds to improve our schools. This rating demonstrates our district’s stability, prudent financial planning, and community support.
2. We have also selected members for our Citizen Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC). We had over 38 applicants and have selected 16 members. Members have been notified and the first meeting will be held early to mid March.
3. Finally, through a competitive RFP process, we are pleased to announce that we have selected OTAK as the project management firm for our 2024 bond projects. Their expertise will help guide the planning and execution of these important improvements for our schools. We look forward to working with OTAK to ensure these projects are completed efficiently and effectively for our students, staff, and community.
4. We are now in the early stages of work including: working with our architects to design phase one work, plan for obtaining permits, begin to identify professionals to do the work and get going on improvements!
Throughout this process, we remain committed to transparent communication and responsible stewardship of resources. We are incredibly grateful for the community’s support in making these projects a reality. Each improvement represents an investment in the future of our schools, and we look forward to keeping you informed as we move through each phase. Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward!
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
Oregon City School District is currently working with BRIC Architecture to develop Bond related facility plans that will align the District’s educational vision with capital planning needs and inform the approach to our upcoming bond projects. Toward this effort, BRIC will be conducting a series of focus group sessions with representatives from the community for different program visions to influence spatial needs.
Please consider getting involved! Whether you’re a parent, student, staff member, or community member, your feedback will help shape how we ensure the bond projects reflect the needs and priorities of our community. Share your interests and preferences for involvement in bond-related projects within the Oregon City School District. If you are interested in participating in one or more of these focus groups, please fill out our survey linked below or on our bond website.
