All three ballot measures that Oregon school districts put to voters to raise money for education failed in Tuesday's election. Late Tuesday, there was only one remotely close call -- in Beaverton.
School construction bonds in Culver and Myrtle Point were defeated by significant margins. Beaverton voters have a history of supporting school measures. But even they rejected this election's $14 million dollar annual levy, though by a slimmer margin than the construction bond measures. School supporters blame the economy, rather than lack of support for the school district. Beaverton superintendent Jeff Rose says the job now is to fill a larger budget hole.
"We have a projection of between $24 and $37 million we have to reduce. So, this local option would've changed that number, which would've made it difficult, but more manageable," Rose said.
Rose says the school district is just starting to have budget discussions for next school year – when the cuts will start being felt. Beaverton officials say the district has already cut more than 100 million dollars over the last few years. Advocates say the 14 million dollars would've funded roughly 180 teaching positions.
