Decision 2024: $97.7 million Redmond school bond could determine the future of Redmond High

(Update: Adding video, comments from Redmond School superintendent)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Redmond voters are seeing another school measure on their ballots this fall, as the school district seeks a renewal bond that would raise $97.7 million for Phase 2 of its wide-ranging construction and repair projects. They say the improvements would have major positive impacts for students and staff, without raising the current property tax rate.

School District Superintendent Charan Cline says this November, the safety and longevity of Redmond High School is on the line.

"It is vital to making the community work well. We believe that we're an important part of that. We are part of this community. Part of our theme is to create a thriving area for students," Cline said Monday.

Over the summer, major renovations were done to Redmond High's HVAC system, funded by the voter-passed Phase 1 bond measure. But serious issues remain, with leaks getting worse - the new measure would among other things replace Redmond High's 50-year-old heating system, which officials say is at risk of failing within five years.

If passed, 40% of the measure's funds would be used at Redmond High.

While taking a tour of the school on Monday, rust inhibitor and water mixed to create a purple liquid dripping from the ceilings of the school, and asbestos warning signs hung on the walls. All will be fixed in about two years, if the bond is passed. 

"They're leaking. We have to run these boilers 24 hours a day. 365 days a year, or else they continue to leak everywhere," Cline said. "The pipes will crumble. It will spill asbestos into the into the main area. We'll have to close down the school for a while to repair that. Eventually, we won't be able to do the repairs."

The current Redmond School District property tax rate for bonded debt is about $2.26 per $1,000 of taxable assessed value, which will not change if this bond is passed.

So far, the HVAC upgrades of Phase 1 already have saved Redmond High nearly $70,000 in power costs, according to Energy Trust of Oregon, which is helping make sure the renovations are more energy-efficient.

"There's crumbling buildings everywhere. Redmond schools have been relatively lucky, and the voters here have supported our schools and supported the students. And we're hoping they're willing to do that again," Cline said.