Local Option Levy
The Riverdale School District Board of Directors has referred Measure 26-263, a five-year Local Option Levy, to the May 2026 ballot. If approved, the measure would replace the district's current levy, which expires June 30, 2026.
Local Option funding provides local revenue that supports staffing, academic programs, and district operations across Riverdale’s K–12 schools. The information below is provided to explain the measure and its potential financial and operational impact.
Riverdale Community Town Hall
Join us Monday, May 4, 2026 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Lewis & Clark College for our Riverdale Community Town Hall to learn more.
This is a wonderful opportunity to hear about the state of the district and ask questions about the proposed Local Option Levy (Measure 26-263) and school funding in Oregon.
A Special Guest: Representative Nguyen
We are honored to welcome Representative Nguyen, who will open the evening with a "state of the union" style address. He will share his perspective on the Oregon economy and how state-level financial trends impact the funding of vital public services like our schools.
Following his remarks, Superintendent Dr. Chris Russo will present on Measure 26-263's impact on our K-12 programs, staffing, and overall financial health, followed by a community Q&A session facilitated by RHS teacher Laura Keldorf.
Share Your Questions!
To help guide our discussion, we invite you to share your questions!
Superintendent Dr. Chris Russo will speak to key themes and respond to questions during the event.
Town Hall Schedule:
5:45 p.m. – Reception: Arrive early for light bites and community connection
- In-person and virtual attendees will have a final opportunity to submit written questions, which we will group by theme to cover as much ground as possible.
6:00 p.m. – Town Hall Begins:
- We will transition into the Chapel for Representative Nguyen’s opening address, followed by the levy presentation and facilitated Q&A session
Ways to Attend:
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In-Person: Agnes Flanagan Chapel at Lewis & Clark College. Arrive early at 5:45 p.m. for a reception with light bites and community connection in the attached Diane Gregg Pavilion.
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Virtual Option: Join the secure Zoom Webinar here.
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Note: This will be a view-only stream to ensure a secure and uninterrupted experience for viewers.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is being proposed for the May 2026 Ballot?
Riverdale School District is asking voters to consider Measure 26-263, a five-year Local Option Levy of $1.67 per $1,000 of assessed property value. If approved, this would replace the current levy of $1.37, which is set to expire June 2026.
- Current Rate: $1.37 per $1,000
- Proposed Rate: $1.67 per $1,000
- Difference: $.30 per $1,000 of assessed value
For a home with an assessed value of $1,000,000, the estimated cost would increase by $25 per month, or $300 per year, over the current levy (for a total of $139 per month, or $1,670 per year). See below to use our levy tax estimator.
- The Levy is projected to raise $7,530,900 over five years.
Why is an adjustment proposed now?
Riverdale’s current levy rate has remained at $1.37 since 2015. During that time, inflation and operational costs, from library books to classroom staffing, have increased.
State funding does not cover the full cost of educating Riverdale students.
The cost of educating an RSD student exceeds $19,000 per child in expenditure. In 2024-25, state funding provided approximately $11,000 per ADMw. The local option levy, the Riverdale foundation, and other funding sources such as tuition, facility rentals, and athletic fees, make up the remaining. These are all examples of General fund dollars which can be used to support all RSD students K-12.
The levy provides approximately 10% of the general fund.
The district also receives restricted state and federal grants designated for specific programs and supports, such as IDEA, SIA, and High School Success grants. These monies are utilized for either targeted support or specific students.
All these funding components are critical in realizing the Riverdale student experience for each and every child.
This local funding source has helped sustain programs and staffing for over 25 years, with 100% of the proceeds remaining within the district.
How will these funds be used?
In alignment with our Strategic Plan, these funds will be dedicated to the staff, programs, and resources that support Riverdale’s current K-12 educational programs.
The Local Option Levy is projected to raise $7,530,900 over five years, helping fund Riverdale's:
- Expanded Academics: Greater K-12 language instruction, additional curriculum supports, and continued expansion of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
- Student Support: Increased administrative and behavioral support, as well as security and facility maintenance.
- Retention & Hiring: Retention and hiring of experienced teachers to maintain small neighborhood school experiences.
- Enrichment: Math intervention, expanded elective offerings, ongoing field studies, and extracurricular activities.
Levy Tax Estimator
The Local Option Levy is calculated using your Assessed Value, not your Real Market Value.
You can find your Assessed Value (AV) on your annual property tax statement or by visiting Portland Maps
- Search your address & look under "Assessor section."
Levy Tax Estimator
Find your Assessed Value on your property tax statement or via Portland Maps
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