At its meeting on February 9th, the Athena-Weston School District Board of Directors voted unanimously to place a general obligation bond measure on the May 2026 ballot. The proposed bond would raise $4.98 million and if passed, would be matched with a $4.98 million grant from the Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching program. The term of the proposed bond is 10 years.
If approved, bonds are expected to finance:
A new, energy-efficient Career, Trades, and Technical Education Center at the district’s Athena campus, with flexible, ADA-compliant learning spaces
Minor upgrades to repurpose vacated classrooms at Weston-McEwen High School following creation of the new Center
In 2016, voters in the Athena-Weston School District boundary approved a $4 million bond with a 10-year term; payments on that bond will end this year. If passed, the proposed bond is estimated to maintain the district’s 2025-2026 bond property tax rate of $1.24 per $1,000 of assessed value.
Superintendent Ann Vescio noted that the proposed bond allows the district to invest in students without increasing the current tax rate. "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," said Vescio. "Popular courses such as welding, wood shop, art, and agriculture prepare students for immediate career success. The proposed facility does more than upgrade our shops; it creates the space needed for high-quality science instruction and emerging programs like healthcare and drone technology. Our goal is to ensure every graduate is prepared for the modern workforce."
The community is encouraged to learn about the Athena-Weston School District’s Strategic Plan, school facilities, and standardized testing at a Thought Exchange:
Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
in the Weston Middle School Cafeteria
This event hosted by the AWSD School Board and Administrative Team will include coffee, dessert, and small-group discussions. Those interested in attending can visit the district's website (https://www.athwest.k12.or.us/) or call the district office (541-566-3551) for more details.