1. What Is the Local Option Levy (LOL), and Why Does It Matter in Portland?

In Portland, the Local Option Levy is a special property tax that helps fund crucial aspects of our public schools—especially teacher salaries, smaller class sizes, and program stability. According to PPS’s 2024–25 budget (Volume 1, pp. 15–16, 20), these funds are projected to DECLINE, putting the district’s finances on shaky ground.

2. Why Is Levy Transparency Suddenly a Big Deal?

Voters are tired of shelling out tax dollars without seeing clear results. For 2024–25, PPS expects less money from the levy (Budget Overview, pp. 19–20). If we just shrug and ask people to renew the levy again without showing proof of what it’s accomplished, voter fatigue could sink it next time around.

3. What Happens If the Levy Isn’t Renewed or Loses Support?

It’s simple: PPS loses millions for teacher salaries and smaller class sizes. We risk bigger classroom sizes, potential teacher layoffs, and fewer resources for critical interventions like reading specialists. That’s a price we can’t afford to pay.

4. What’s This “Levy Accountability” Document All About?

Think of it as a year-by-year report card:

• How many teacher positions did the levy fund?

• Did class sizes improve—and by how much?

• How many teachers avoided layoffs thanks to levy dollars?

If Portlanders see the levy making a real difference, they will likely support future renewals or increases.

5. What’s a “Levy Renewal Contract with Voters”?

Instead of just saying, “Give us the money,” PPS would spell out what people get in return:

• X number of new teachers or reading specialists added over the next levy cycle.

• Commitments to reduce average class sizes by a specific target.

It’s about treating voters like partners: “You invest in us; here’s how we guarantee results.”

6. Why Not Just Renew the Levy Without These Bells and Whistles?

That’s the old way, leading to complacency and distrust. People in Portland want transparency — and they deserve it. If all we do is quietly renew the levy, the public may suspect mismanagement or lack of direction. Transparent goals and consistent reporting keep everyone honest.

7. How Does This Tie into Existing PPS Budget Concerns?

PPS’s budget overview (2024–25, Volume 1) indicates declining revenue streams, including the local option. That means a shortfall if we don’t adapt. Making the levy more transparent and impactful is part of a broader strategy to stabilize funding — not just patch holes.

8. Isn’t It Hard to Guarantee Specific Results?

Sure, there are variables—enrollment shifts, state funding changes, etc. However, we can still make concrete commitments. If revenue projections hold, PPS will spend a set amount on a clear list of priorities. For instance, “If the levy brings in $X million, we’ll hire 25 new reading specialists, add language programs, or keep class sizes below a certain threshold.”

9. Won’t This Add More Bureaucracy?

This is about clarity, not red tape. A straightforward, annual “Levy Accountability” update is all it takes — posted online, shared at board meetings, and delivered in plain language. If we can’t manage that, we have more significant problems than bureaucracy.

10. What Actions Will PPS Take to Ensure This Happens?

1. Publish a Multi-Year Levy Accountability Document: Include teacher positions funded, class size data, and how these funds prevented layoffs or program cuts.

2. Introduce a Levy Renewal Contract: For the next renewal, explicitly tie the tax rate to a promise of new teachers or specialists. Make it legally binding or at least publicly documented.

3. Engage the Public Early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Host community forums and show voters exactly where their levy dollars are going.

4. Collaboration with Union & Community Groups: Work closely with teacher unions and parent organizations to align on measurable goals—everyone should own the results.

11. How Can PPS Support These Measures?

• Share the data: Publish an easy-to-access and read summary of how levy dollars are spent.

• Ruthlessly Enforce Commitments: PPS controls how this money is spent, so spend it on the commitments.

• Pound the Street: Demand officials support levy funding and tout accountability to strengthen public trust.