PPS Elections

School Board Elections

The PPS school board elections are run by Multnomah County's Election Division. Portland Public School District is divided into 7 zones. Those who wish to run for a zone must: be a registered voter in that respective zone and must be a resident of the district for 1-year preceding the election. Board members are elected once every 4 years, and candidates are elected district-wide, meaning that no matter what zone you live in, your ballot will contain all zone candidates. Three or four seats are up for election on a staggered basis every odd-numbered year in May.
In order to file as a candidate, you must submit form SEL 190 along with $10 or 25 signatures (complete with this optional petition form). In order to be included in the Multnomah County Voters' Pamphlet, the candidate must pay $25 and complete the following forms: Voter's Pamphlet Form, Endorser Form (determined by filer), and Endorser Form (determined by endorser).

General Obligation Bonds

According to Oregon State Law, the PPS school district must seek voter approval to pass general obligation bonds. General Obligation or GO Bonds are municipal bonds where the issuer pledges unconditionally to pay the interest and principal on the debt as it matures. The issuer uses "its unrestricted resources to meet debt service, including an unlimited property tax on all taxable property within the district."
In order to pass a school bond, a simple majority must be reached in a special election in any May or November election or a majority approval with at least 50 percent voter turnout in a March or September election. The district must file 2 forms for the Bond title and description: SEL 805 and SEL 803. According to the Oregon School Board Association, school districts might file close to the deadline because 1) "They want to make sure bond costs are as accurate as possible and all elements to be paid for with bond proceeds are included in the ballot title" and 2) "They want to continue the discussion about the need for and benefits of the bond measure with community groups without violating election law." After the bond has been filed, "no public employee shall solicit any money, influence, service or other thing of value or otherwise promote or oppose any political committee or promote or oppose the nomination or election of a candidate, the gathering of signatures on an initiative, referendum or recall petition, the adoption of a measure or the recall of a public office holder while on the job during working hours.” (ORS 260.432)

Option Levy

In order to issue a school bond, an option levy must first be voted on by the district. Option levies are ways outside of a yearly budget to raise additional funds to pay for school operations and key initiatives. Different from bonds, school officials have more discretion when it comes to local option levies, and often focus on hiring teachers and special education programs. According to Oregon State Law 255.345, option levies can be passed by simple majority, no turnout requirement for approval on the following election days on the third Tuesday in May and the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November or by double majority on the second Tuesday in March and the third Tuesday in September.