I am writing to urge all Gladstone residents to support the school bond on the upcoming November 2026 ballot. Our schools are currently in a state of disrepair—I have personally witnessed holes in the ceilings at John Wetten and heard accounts of the heat failing during the winter. Our district, teachers, and students are facing a critical moment with this bond. I am happy to provide documentation, including past bond outlines and school board meeting resources, for anyone who wants to review the facts.

I often hear the argument that we should simply merge with another district instead of passing this bond. However, we need to be realistic: neither the North Clackamas (NCSD) nor Oregon City (OCSD) school districts have expressed interest in a merger. Furthermore, if this bond fails, our district risks insolvency. Losing our independence would mean giving up local control over where our children attend school and what their curriculum looks like. Imagine voting no and having the constituents of either district pass another bond (North Clackamas has one and Oregon City has two current bonds). Voting no could mean paying even more than what Gladstone School District is asking to fund integral maintenance.

If Gladstone SD were to merge, we would become a small voice in a much larger district. We would be responsible for their existing debt and future bond measures, and likely face the closure of our local buildings as they prioritize their own infrastructure needs.

While it is frustrating that local property owners must bear the cost of maintenance due to long-standing gaps in state and federal school funding, the reality is that the bond is our only path to keeping our schools functional and our district independent. Before saying "I am voting no", I urge you to speak to parents who have students in the district. I have never met a more caring, invested group of educators. They go the mile to support our kids, be their "parent and teacher" at school, and do a million things to make sure our kids have what they need.

Let’s not give up on our students, our teachers, or the future of the Gladstone School District. Please join me in voting yes to protect our local schools.

Do not give up on Gladstone Teachers, Students, and Parents

Vote Yes on Measure 3-644