The Morrow County School District Board of Education on Monday, January 12 approved a recommendation from the District Evaluation Committee to enter into a contract with Fowler General Contractors of the Tri-Cities to complete district-wide safety and security upgrades and the total replacement of Irrigon Jr/Sr High School.
The approval marks a major milestone in the implementation of projects funded by the voter-approved school bond, advancing both immediate safety improvements and long-term facility solutions across the district.
District-wide safety and security upgrades will include secure main entry improvements, enhanced camera systems, and door access control at AC Houghton Elementary, Irrigon Elementary, Morrow Education Center, Sam Boardman Elementary, and Windy River Elementary.
“These upgrades are about ensuring our students and staff are safe in their school and able to learn every day,” said Matt Combe, superintendent of the Morrow County School District. “This work reflects our commitment to using bond funds responsibly and prioritizing student well-being across the district.”
Due to severe structural issues identified at Irrigon Jr/Sr High School, the existing building will be replaced with a new facility and is the first full school project on the district’s timeline. Design development will continue through 2026, with construction expected to begin in 2027.
The Design Advisory Committee will now begin focusing on refining floor plans for all three school projects, including Riverside Jr/Sr High School and Heppner Jr/Sr High School, with an emphasis on functionality and day-to-day use. SÄ€J Architecture has conducted interviews with school principals and distributed surveys to staff to better understand instructional needs, operations, and opportunities to improve learning environments.
Community members, staff, and students will continue to have opportunities to provide input throughout the design process as projects move forward.
More information about the bond projects, timelines, and community involvement opportunities is available at www.mcsdbond.org.