Voters in the Athena-Weston School District have rejected a proposed bond for $15.2 million, according to preliminary results from the special election held on November 4, 2025. Unofficial data indicates that 56.9% of voters, totaling 520 out of 913, opposed the bond intended to fund new classrooms, a gymnasium, and improvements to existing facilities within the district.
The failure of this bond proposal carries significant financial implications for the district. Should the bond have passed, the Athena-Weston School District would have secured approximately $10.2 million in grant funding from the Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching program. This lost opportunity may hinder the district’s ability to enhance educational facilities and resources.
Residents were informed that if the bond had been approved, it would have increased property taxes by about $1.47 per $1,000 of assessed property value, effectively raising the annual cost for the median property owner in Umatilla County to around $305 a year, or approximately $25 per month. This increase would have represented an additional cost of $157 annually, or about $13 per month, compared to existing taxes since the last bond approval in 2016.
In her summary submitted to district officials, Superintendent Ann Vescio outlined the intended uses for the bond funds. The proposal included plans for a new career and technical education building and a gymnasium, as well as improvements aimed at enhancing accessibility and efficiency across classrooms, common areas, and parking lots at both the Weston and Athena campuses.
The district had hoped that the bond would not only modernize facilities but also support the growing needs of its students and the community. With this setback, the school district will need to explore alternative funding sources and strategies to address educational infrastructure challenges.
The Athena-Weston School District remains committed to providing quality education and may seek to engage with community members to reassess priorities and potential future initiatives.