PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Supporters of the Portland Public Schools bond breathed a sigh of relief when the initial results of the May election rolled in Tuesday.

As of Wednesday morning, results show 57.64% of those who voted in favor of the bond, with 42.36% opposed.

At a packed house of bond supporters in Southeast Portland, PPS Superintendent Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong said there are key reasons why voters may have ultimately decided to support the $1.8 billion bond.

The teachers union said passing the bond would help reduce some of the cuts proposed to mitigate at $40 million budget shortfall. The bond would also go toward modernizing Cleveland, Jefferson and Ida B. Wells high schools.

Multnomah County Election Results – May 20, 2025

But it may be a while before those schools get the updates they need.

“The Cleveland community has been so supportive, and they’ve been out fighting for this bond for a long time to make sure we get a modernized high school,” said one supporter named Megan, “so it’s just great to see it finally come through.”

Armstrong said she thinks what was crucial was how the PPS Board leaned into the “conversation about reducing the costs of the high schools” so that the “work we could possibly do” was addressed.

District leaders will put their heads together over the next several weeks, surveying buildings and working with a third party on seismic upgrades and heating/cooling updates.

The final results of this election won’t be known for a few days.

Early statements from PPS

Just minutes after the first vote tallies were released, PPS officials released statements showing their belief the bond will ultimately pass.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Portland community for once again standing with our students and saying yes to the future of public education. The passage of the 2025 school bond reflects a shared belief that every child deserves to learn in a school that is safe, modern, and designed for success,” PPS Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong said. “This bond allows us to move forward with modernizing Jefferson, Cleveland, and Ida B. Wells-Barnett High Schools, while also delivering critical upgrades across campuses, from safety improvements to new roofs, climate systems, and classroom updates. These investments directly support student success by creating environments where students and educators can focus, connect, and thrive.”

PPS Board Chair Eddie Wang added: “We deeply appreciate Portland voters for believing in our students and placing their trust in this board. By passing this bond, our community has reinforced its commitment to public education and to creating safe, modern, and inspiring spaces where every student can thrive.”

The bond and the shortfall

On Monday night, the PPS Board voted to approve the superintendent’s $2 billion proposed budget.

However, the district still faces a $40 million budget shortfall that has led several resources to go on the chopping block. The teachers union says passing the $1.8 billion dollar bond would help reduce some of the proposed cuts.

It would also go toward modernizing Cleveland, Jefferson and Ida B. Wells high schools.

Despite the potential help from the bond, Portland Association of Teachers President Angela Bonilla with the teachers’ union says the state needs to step up.

“We need the legislature to step up. And then what we need from them is to invest every single dollar they possibly can to direct student services,” Bonilla said. 

Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue  to follow this story.