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Athena-Weston School District

Excellence, Citizenship, Community, and Lifelong Learning

Bond Information Home

Get Involved in the Bond Project

The Athena-Weston School District is committed to delivering a bond program that reflects community priorities and maintains public trust. Community members can get involved through two committees that serve different but equally important roles. Together, these committees help ensure the project is both community-driven and accountable from design through construction.

Bond Oversight Committee (BOC)
The Bond Oversight Committee provides independent community oversight of the bond program. The BOC meets quarterly to review project progress, finances, and accountability measures to help ensure bond funds are used as approved by voters. The committee also helps keep the community informed and supports transparency throughout the life of the project. Community members interested in serving on the BOC are encouraged to apply here by November 9, 2026: [APPLICATION LINK].

Download the BOC Charge

Design Advisory Committee (DAC)
The Design Advisory Committee helps shape the vision and design of the new Career Technical Education (CTE) Center. The committee includes district staff, students, parents, and community representatives, with approximately four community member positions as part of the 15-member committee. Members provide feedback on design concepts, help establish guiding design principles, and ensure the project reflects the values and aspirations of the Athena-Weston community. To learn more about participating, please email WMHS Principal Morgan Rauch at morgan.rauch@athwestsd.org by November 9, 2026.

Download the DAC Charge

Banner thanking voters

metal shop

Athena-Weston School District’s Board of Directors thanks voters for passing the Bond measure in May 2026.

The district's Community Bond Advisory Committee (CBAC ) met since September 2024 to review district facilities and develop a long-term plan for addressing capital improvement projects related to facility needs.

Bond Conversation Videos

Below are a series of videos sharing information featuring Board Chair Tim Seymour and Superintendent Ann Vescio.

Bond Conversation Video #1 (General Info)

Bond Conversation Video #2 (Expansion of CTE)

Bond Conversation Video #3 (Current Classroom Spaces/Project Details)

Bond Conversation Video #4 (Cost & Matching Grant)

Meet the Career Technical Education (CTE) Teachers at Weston-McEwen High School

CTE Teachers at WMHS Video

ffa students

What projects will the bond fund?

The bond will construct a new, energy-efficient Career, Trades, Sciences and Technical Education Center. The center will increase physical space and allow for the expansion of current programming for students.

Building

  • Approximately 12,000 square feet

  • Energy-efficient HVC, windows & insulation

  • Built to modern ADA accessibility standards

Learning Spaces
Spacious, modern labs and classrooms would increase learning experiences for students including:

General Science Labs featuring:

  • Integrated instructional space

  • Adequate lab stations with modern safety features

  • Additional fume hoods

  • Potential space for program expansion

Modern Art Studio with:

  • Dedicated ceramics workspace

  • Supplies/materials storage

  • Display space for student

Multipurpose Classroom:

  • Lab stations for agriculture science

  • Potential space for program expansion

Metal and Wood Shop with:

  • Upgraded electrical capacity

  • Modern dust collection system

  • Materials storage

  • Air conditioning & updated mechanical ventilation

     

 

students in science lab

How much will the bond raise? 

The approved bond will raise $4.98 million.
Paired with a matching grant of $4.98 million, a total of $9.96 million will be available for the approved projects.

$4.98 million bond + $4.98 million OSCIM* grant = $9.96 million

*OSCIM = Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching program

What is the cost to taxpayers?

There will be No Increase in the current tax rate.

AWSD’s prior school bond, approved in 2016, had a bond tax rate of $1.24 per $1,000.00 of assessed value from teh most recent 2025-2026 fiscal year. This bond ended in 2026.

The bond approved by voters in May 2026 did not overlap with the prior bond and is estimated to maintain the tax rate of $1.24 per $1,000.00 of assessed value. The May 2026 bond will be repaid within 10 years.

Have more questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Look up your property’s assessed value at the Umatilla County Assessor’s Website