The Morrow County School District has officially launched its community-driven process that will shape the future of local school facilities, with Nov. 17 marking the first meetings of the Bond Oversight Committee (BOC) and three Design Advisory Committees (DACs).
These committees, made up of a diverse group of community members and students, will provide guidance and transparency through the four-year design and construction process of projects funded by the voter-approved school bond.
“I’m so pleased to have dedicated local volunteers working together on these projects,” said Matt Combe, Morrow County School District Superintendent. “They will not only make sure the School District is fulfilling its promise to use bond resources wisely but will have a very real role in shaping how the spaces will look and feel. We want these to be truly community-driven projects that reflect the investment made by residents.”
The BOC will provide overall accountability and fiscal transparency by closely monitoring progress and ensuring bond projects match the language and intent of the bond measure. The committee will meet quarterly through the project’s completion in 2029 and will be facilitated by project management team Wenaha Group.
The DACs — which include school staff, students, parents, city representatives and a community member — are focused on the school-specific projects in Boardman, Heppner and Irrigon. They will work with SAJ Architecture to craft design goals and concepts, develop cost frameworks, and communicate progress with their respective communities.
“I really enjoyed the first meeting. It went by quickly and I learned a lot,” said Sarah Matheny, a Heppner teacher and member of the DAC. “This is such an exciting process and I am happy to be a part of it."
SAJ Architects will run interactive workshops featuring open dialogue and hands-on activities, starting with all three committees meeting together and then individually on their unique school projects. Each community will ultimately design unique facilities tailored to their local needs. Building staff, students, and community members will also have opportunities to provide input throughout the process.
Learn more about the bond projects, including preliminary plans, timelines, and frequently asked questions, at www.mcsdbond.org.