Facilities bond budget in line with other school districts

Portland Public Schools’ facilities bond budget accounts for all costs and buffers against possible cost increases so the school construction program can deliver on the projects promised in the May 17 bond measure.

April 2, 2011 – Chief operating officer message on bond costs
Cost estimates and budget by project

Independent construction cost estimators and school construction managers experienced in other districts helped PPS leaders develop the budget. As a result:

• Project cost estimates are in line with the experience in other school districts.
• The budget share for contingency and project management is prudent and appropriate based on guidance from independent construction estimators and third-party school construction experts.

With thorough and careful budgeting, the school construction program is designed to hit the mark: neither overestimating costs, nor underestimating likely expenses.

Portland Public Schools’ construction bond budget would allow the district to deliver every project promised, making strategic use of taxpayers’ investment.

The result is a $548 million bond budget that will increase school safety; renovate and update school buildings, classrooms and grounds; retire existing school project debt and rebuild schools across Portland, where that is more cost effective.

For the schools to be rebuilt, whether fully renovated or built anew, each school building would be completely overhauled, with:

• Earthquake, fire and life safety upgrades, and security systems including card-key access and video;
• Reconfiguration of classrooms and learning spaces, with updated technology for all students and teachers;
• Landscaping and site upgrades for PE, sports and play as well as safety;
• Modern building systems including replaced roofs, modern and efficient heating and ventilation, new plumbing, adequate electrical; and
• Equipment, storage, furniture and technology for updated classrooms.

(Learn what the bond money would buy at each rebuilt school.)

Construction costs – including potential change orders for unforeseeable costs – are 80 percent of budget. Design, engineering, architecture and other costs make up the rest. Less than 5 percent pays for central support for the entire capital program: administration and oversight, contracting, accounting, procurement, security checks for contractors and community outreach and partnership development.

This ensures the construction bond program pays for itself – so that Portland Public Schools preserves its scarce budget dollars to protect classroom teaching positions.

With all costs factored in, the proposed PPS school rebuilds are in line with the range of peer district projects.

Rebuilding schools: Total project cost, per square foot
School District	PPS Budget	Regional school districts
Elementary and K-8 Schools	$307 to $340	$228 to $372
High Schools	$322 to $414	$307 to $427

For further information:

• Detail about the scope of work at rebuilt schools
  
• Explanation of how PPS developed its bond budget
  
• Cost estimates and budget by project
  
• Background on the school facilities bond

You may also contact Matt Shelby, PPS Public Affairs, mshelby@pps.net, 503-916-3027. Portland Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and educator.

At Portland Public Schools, this is our goal: By the end of elementary, middle, and high school, every student by name will meet or exceed academic standards and will be fully prepared to make productive life decisions. For more information on Portland Public Schools, call 503-916-3304, e-mail us at pubinfo@pps.net, or visit www.pps.k12.or.us. Portland Public Schools is an equal opportunity educator and employer.