UPDATE: Voters in the Athena-Weston School District have just rejected a crucial $15.2 million bond aimed at funding essential improvements to local schools. Preliminary results from the November 4, 2025 special election reveal that 56.9% of voters, totaling 520 of 913, voted against the proposal.
The bond’s failure is a significant blow to the district, which stands to lose approximately $10.2 million in grant funding from the Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching program. This funding was intended to cover the costs of new classrooms, a gymnasium, and various facility enhancements across the district.
Had the bond passed, local residents would have seen an increase of about $1.47 per $1,000 of assessed property value, translating to an approximate annual cost of $305 or $25 per month for the median property owner in Umatilla County. The current median residential assessed value is reported to be $106,590.
According to Superintendent Ann Vescio, the bond was critical for the construction of a new career and technical education building, as well as a gymnasium. “This bond would have allowed us to address pressing needs in our schools, improving accessibility and efficiency in classrooms and common areas,” Vescio said in her summary.
The implications of this decision are immediate and far-reaching. With the rejection of the bond, the school district will have to explore alternative funding options to meet the growing educational demands of its students. The community’s investment in education is now in jeopardy, leaving many parents and educators concerned about the future.
What happens next? The Athena-Weston School District is expected to hold a series of meetings to discuss the implications of this decision and potential pathways forward. As the community grapples with this setback, many will be watching closely for updates on any new proposals or strategies to secure funding for necessary improvements.
This urgent development highlights the critical challenges faced by school districts nationwide as they seek to provide quality education and facilities for their students. The impact on students, teachers, and the broader community cannot be overstated.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation unfolds.
