The Oregon City School Board approved two early-work construction amendments Aug. 24, clearing the way for site investigations at Gaffney Lane Elementary and Redland Elementary before full renovation contracts are finalized.

The amendments, part of the district's $163 million bond program, authorize a combined $41,291 in early site work at the two Phase 3 schools, according to resolutions posted to the district's board portal.

The first resolution gives Bremik Construction up to $16,424 for early site investigations at Gaffney Lane Elementary, bringing that firm's total contract to $215,904. The second gives Balfour Beatty Construction (doing business as Howard S. Wright) up to $24,867 for early site investigations at Redland Elementary, raising that contract to $229,296.

Both contractors entered into preconstruction services agreements with the district on June 22. Bond director David Hobbs brought both resolutions forward.

The early-work amendments let crews begin site investigations before a Guaranteed Maximum Price is locked in for each project. Full construction at both schools is scheduled for 2027-2028.

Gaffney Lane Elementary carries a $25.2 million project budget under the bond program. Redland Elementary's budget is $20.3 million, which includes a $2 million state matching grant through Oregon's OSCIM program.

Voters approved the bond as Measure 3-616 in November 2024.

As of December 2025, the program had generated $184.4 million in total revenue, including bond sale premiums, $6 million in state matching funds and $1.8 million in investment interest. State law requires the district to spend 85% of bond proceeds within three years of voter approval.

Board Chair Katie Wilson presided over the special session, held at Roger Rook Hall at Clackamas Community College.

The same evening's work session included a 60-minute student services presentation showing the district serves 1,162 students with individualized education programs. Autism spectrum disorder has become the second-largest eligibility category at 20.6%, behind specific learning disability at 24.5%.

Staff also previewed changes to the district's budget structure for 2027-28. Oregon City is an early adopter of a new state budgeting model that increases required reporting segments from 17 to 26, according to a budget planning document presented by Superintendent Dr. Dayle Spitzer and Chief Financial Officer Elaine Fagan.

Proposed bills for the 2027-28 budget cycle are due Sept. 11.