Please visit our Career & Technical Education (CTE) Program Fundraiser page to help us prepare our students for success!

Building a Stronger Future, Together

This Bond is Your Bond

In November 2022, David Douglas School District voters approved a $140 million bond measure aimed at enhancing schools district-wide, including the construction of a new Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center at David Douglas High School (DDHS). Since then, we have been working tirelessly to bring this vision to life.

The bond reflected overwhelming community support and a shared commitment to transparency, student success, and long-term district improvement. Thanks to voters’ trust, the district has been able to create safe, modern learning environments for students across all schools.

Spotlight: The New CTE Facility

Career & Technical Education: Preparing Students for Real-World Success
The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center at DDHS will offer a state-of-the-art facility focused on hands-on learning experiences and valuable skills that prepare them for future careers and post-secondary education. The CTE will equip students with real-world skills for high-demand careers, while strengthening the local workforce and fostering economic growth in the community.

2024-2025 School Year Highlights:

A CTE “Topping Off” Ceremony was held to mark a significant milestone in the construction of the new CTE building. The event included district administrators, students, construction workers, architects, and others directly involved in the project. Board members, administrators, and CTE students had the opportunity to tour the construction site and view the progress firsthand.

Some of our schools underwent several key renovations aimed at enhancing its functionality, safety, and learning environment. These improvements are designed to better support students, staff, and the school community.

For example, Gilbert Heights Elementary underwent several key renovations aimed at enhancing the school’s functionality. Below are some key updates:

• Main Office Remodel: The main office has been remodeled to create a more functional and welcoming space.
• Specialist Spaces Remodel: Existing areas have been remodeled to create dedicated spaces for specialists, ensuring targeted support for students.
• Window Replacement: Most metal windows and sealants have been replaced to improve energy efficiency and building protection.
• Secure Vestibule Remodel: The entry has been remodeled to include a secure vestibule, enhancing safety and access control.
• Siding and Roofing Replacement: The building’s siding and portions of the roof have been replaced to ensure long-term durability and weather resistance.

Cherry Park Elementary also has gone through some important renovations to enhance our learning environment and create a more comfortable space for our students. Below are some key updates:

• Classroom Steam Line Demolition: Outdated steam lines in several classrooms were safely removed, clearing the way for future improvements and modernizing our building’s infrastructure.
• Gym HVAC Access: We’ve also made significant strides in creating access for the installation of a new HVAC system in our gym. Once complete, this system will provide better climate control, ensuring a more comfortable environment for physical education and other activities throughout the year.
• Fire Alarm System Replacement: A new fire alarm system was installed to improve safety and meet current standards.
• Kitchen Equipment Replacement: Kitchen equipment was replaced/renovated as needed to ensure functionality and efficiency in meal preparation.

Alice Ott Middle School has gone through some important renovations to enhance our campus. Below are some key updates:

• New Security Vestibule: As part of our commitment to student safety, we have updated our security vestibule to enhance safety measures at the main entrance of the school. This will further protect students, staff, and visitors by improving controlled access to the building.
• Historic Window Demolition and Protection: We have successfully completed the careful demolition and protection of our historic windows. This important step has allowed us to modernize the building while preserving its historical significance, ensuring a balance between maintaining the school’s character and enhancing its functionality.
• Track Renovation: We are pleased to announce that the renovation of our school’s track has been completed. The new and improved track will provide students with a safer, more functional space for physical activity and athletics.
• Asphalt Replacement & Driveway Repairs: To improve access and safety, partial asphalt replacement and repairs to some driveways have been completed.
• Site Lighting Improvements: Upgraded site lighting to enhance visibility and safety around the campus.

2023-2024 School Year Highlights: 

• The Equity in Design Committee, a group of DDHS students, families, BRIC Architects, and staff members, met regularly to provide feedback and input on the design of the new CTE Center. 

BRIC Architecture has hosted informational sessions for our upcoming CTE building project. These sessions provided a valuable opportunity to engage with our David Douglas students and gather essential insights.

Here’s a summary of the key information gathered:

Engagement in Pre-Design:

• Conducted sessions with students in affinity spaces to foster listening and learning.
• Insights gleaned from these sessions informed the project aspirations and guidelines crafted by the Equity in Design Committee, thereby shaping the entire design process.

Understanding Student Pathways:

• Collaborated with CTE students and their teachers to gain deeper insights into each pathway.

Iterative Feedback Collection:

• Followed up with students to validate significant ideas.
• Shared the project model with various student groups such as ASB, student affinity groups, and CTE students to gather feedback and design suggestions.
• Launched a campus-wide survey during the 2023-2024 Back to School Night and Homecoming, seeking specific feedback on desired spaces within the building.
• Revisited students to gather input on murals and culturally expressive art for the building.
• Solicited final feedback during Unite Week and before the conclusion of the 2023-2024 school year.

Impact and Recognition:

• Emphasized a notable moment when a student from the Black Student Union acknowledged the team’s attentive listening, signaling a successful engagement.

PENCE Contractors partnered with our David Douglas High School College and Career Center to offer internships to DDHS students. 

2022-2023 School Year Highlights: 

• In partnership with BRIC Architecture, the School District hosted focus groups with families to gather input and feedback on the new CTE Center.
• Our Bond Oversight Committee has been meeting regularly to ensure that every project is on track and that your hard-earned tax dollars are spent in the most cost-effective way possible. 

Follow the Progress

Every campus is part of this progress. Please visit Bond Project Updates page for monthly updates on each school.

At our Community Square, community members can get regular updates. Subscribe to stay connected and informed! Visit the Community Square sign-up page to get started.

WITH THE PASSING OF THE MEASURE:

1) The State of Oregon will award the David Douglas School District a matching funds grant of $8 million to help fund proposed bond projects.

2) The bond will:

Prioritize health, safety and security projects at all district schools

Repair and update aging school buildings across the district

Fund the construction of a new Future Careers Center on the David Douglas High School campus to expand hands-on and vocational learning opportunities

Featured Image: Artist rendering of Future Careers Center at David Douglas High School