About the Bond
It has been nine years since the passage of the last bond measure in the Jefferson County School District. The 2012 bond funded the construction of the Performing Arts Center, upgrades to the track and stadium at Madras High School and the construction of the Warm Springs K-8 Academy, among many other projects. Since that time, health, safety, and security concerns have changed, and basic systems like electrical, heating, cooling, and roofs in many district schools are aging and do not function as designed. In addition, the need for diverse learning opportunities such as vocational education as well as early learning to support our community's youngest learners has grown.
As the district strives to protect the community's investments, it continually reviews and monitors the conditions of all school buildings to ensure the health and safety of students and staff members. In 2020, the Jefferson County School District conducted a thorough facilities assessment and developed a Long Range Facilities Plan. This plan assessed the District's facilities needs over the next 10 years based on the building condition assessments, educational adequacy assessments, and capacity analyses. It also provides a capital improvement plan for addressing building condition deficiencies, as well as educational program changes, and enrollment growth.
In 2021, after the completion of the Long Range Facilities Plan, the Jefferson County School District formed a citizen-led Bond Development Committee to gather public input on the needs of school buildings and the priorities of both the Jefferson and Wasco County communities. In addition, the district applied for a matching grant opportunity through the Oregon State Capital Improvement Matching Program and was awarded a $4 million matching grant, but only if the proposed measure passes.
The Bond Development Committee collaborated with leadership and architectural experts to form a $24 million bond package to:
- Improve Health, Safety, and Security
- Repair & Update Aging School Buildings
- Expand Vocational Opportunities and Early Learning
