Athena-Weston School District will hold a bond measure ‘thought exchange’
By Terry Murry on Monday, February 16th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WESTON – The Athena-Weston School District (AWSD) is inviting the community to attend what it calls a Thought Exchange to explain and discuss the bond measure that will be on the May ballot tomorrow (Tuesday) from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Weston Middle School cafeteria. Other topics for discussion include the district’s strategic plan and standardized testing.
The event is hosted by the AWSD School Board and administrators. It will include coffee, dessert and discussions in small groups. Those interested in attending can get more details from the district’s website or by calling 541-566-3551.
The school board unanimously voted earlier this month to place a general election bond measure on the May ballot. It would raise $4.98 million. If it’s passed the Oregon School Capital Improvement Match program would send the district an equal amount for the 10-year bond.
The school board is endorsing bonds that would see the construction of an energy-efficient career, trades, and technical education center on the Athena campus. It would also cover minor upgrades to repurpose classrooms vacated at Weston-McEwen High School once the center is created.
A 10-year bond approved in 2016 expires this year. If the new measure is passed officials estimate it would maintain the current bond property tax rate of $1.24 per $1,000 of assessed value.
“By maintaining the current bond rate, our community directly supports high school students through the construction of a modernized, high-quality career, trades, and technical education center,” Superintendent Ann Vescio said.
