Implications of Measure 5

Ballot Measure 5 was one of the most contentious measures in Oregon election history. In 1990 the measure amended the Oregon Constitution and established limits on Oregon’s property taxes on real estate.

The results were disastrous for the school district. The measure limited the total amount of taxes that can be assessed per $1,000 of properties’ real market value. It established the limit at $15, and gradually lowered it to $5 over the course of six years.

A drastic reduction in the district’s resources soon followed; totalling more than 6 million annually. These numbers pencil out to a loss of nearly a quarter of the district’s property taxes, and approximately 18% of the district’s total funding in the 1990s.

The school had to respond with large cuts to every area of service. Most school programs had to be completely restructured: Fees were levied for participation in out of school activities/electives, the student to teacher ratio was increased, and professional-technical programs were axed.

The budget shortfall resulted in the elimination of nearly every vocational program the high school offered. For the past two decades Lake Oswego has had a deficit in programs that teach applicable day-to-day skills that are immensely beneficial in college and beyond.

Some past programs included:

• Metal and wood shop programs
• Technology classes
• Building construction programs
• Computer drafting programs
• Summer school programs
• Writing and math labs
• Auto shop programs
• Home economic

Our vision is to inform the community, and enable the school district to once more offer professional-technical training. Students need to be taught skills applicable in the modern workforce. Programming, Applied Sociology, Business Apprenticeship, and so much more could be offered to students. Nearly every staff member and student agrees that such programs would be invaluable to developing a complete education--it’s time to act on it.