Beaverton Schools is on the ballot on Nov. 7, and school leaders are working hard to make sure voters understand the stakes.
The ballot request is the standard 18-mill non-homestead operating millage renewal that every school district in the state is required to request every few years. Beaverton’s current operating millage expires in November, 2024; if passed, the renewal would be in effect for the subsequent six years. And while voters have historically supported the renewal, school officials are determined to make sure taxpayers know what’s being asked and the ramifications if it fails.
“The non-homestead operating millage is an existing tax levy on business, industrial and rental properties in our district,” said Superintendent Joseph Passalacqua. “It is not a tax on primary residences or other exempt properties. We want voters to know that approving the renewal won’t raise their current home property taxes at all - not one dime.”
On the other hand, says Beaverton Schools Board of Education President Adam Zdrojewski, rejecting the request would have a devastating effect on the district’s day-to-day operations.
“This renewal represents more than $3.23 million annually to the district, and that’s 25 percent of the district’s general fund revenues,” Zdrojewski said. “Imagine cutting a quarter of your incoming funds from your household budget or your company’s budget and how hard it would be to keep things running smoothly.”
A loss of that magnitude would lead to larger class sizes and significant cuts in staff, academic programs, transportation, athletics and other extracurriculars, Passalacqua said.
“We just want to make sure voters are informed,” he said. “Beaverton has always been very supportive of this renewal, and we’re confident that will continue. But we definitely don’t take it for granted, and we’re doing everything we can to inform folks and encourage them to get out and vote on Nov. 7.”
For more information about the millage, including how and where to vote, visit beavertonschools.net/millage and be sure to follow Beaverton Schools on its Facebook, X and Instagram feeds, as well as the Beaverton Schools app on Apple and Android devices.