Umatilla School District cuts the ribbon on two new buildings
By Griffin Beach on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
UMATILLA – A bond measure passed by voters in 2022 has come to fruition with ribbon cutting ceremonies at two new facilities for the Umatilla School District on Thursday night.
“The community invested in our schools with the passage of the bond, and we’ve worked to be strong stewards of taxpayer funds to show our appreciation,” said Superintendent Heidi Sipe
The two ribbon cuttings and open-house tours were at the Career and Technical Education (CTE) building at Umatilla High School, and Columbia Vista Intermediate School in the South Hill area which will house grades four through six. The $45.2 million bond also included upgrades for McNary Heights Elementary School and Clara Brownell Middle School.
Attendees touring the CTE building saw first-hand the classrooms that have been built for skill-building in woodworking, metals and manufacturing. The CTE facility also opens up career certification options for high school students in welding, HVAC and other fields. Students can complete college-level classwork thanks to partnerships with Eastern Oregon University, Blue Mountain Community College and Arizona State University.
A new softball field for Umatilla High School was also constructed as part of the CTE building.
An even bigger crowd was on hand for the opening of Columbia Vista Intermediate School. Superintendent Heidi Sipe remarked that during the design process it was determined that a bigger gym was needed, and the community members that came and filled the bleachers were proof of that. Its location on the South Hill means that both students in the classroom and fans watching at the new soccer field will get a full view of the Columbia River.
Sipe took time to commend the project team including Chervenell Construction, Design West Architects and Alliance Management for going from start to finish in just a little over one year.
“To complete projects of this scale and remodel the other buildings in just 14 months is nothing short of phenomenal,” said Sipe.
MYCB photo of the open house at Columbia Vista Intermediate School
