The Morrow County School District Board of Education on Monday, August 10 approved a recommendation from the District Evaluation Committee to enter into a contract with Fowler General Construction of the Tri-Cities to complete the Heppner K-12 Campus remodel.
The approval marks the final of four projects funded by the voter-approved school bond. The capital projects will create long-term solutions for community school facilities across the district.
The Heppner K-12 Campus will be a remodel and expansion of the existing Heppner Jr/Sr High School to create capacity for 350 students. The new facility will have room for all Heppner students on a single campus, creating staffing and maintenance efficiencies for the district.
“We are excited to be moving forward with the last of these community-centered bond projects and to have a contractor with a strong understanding of our vision and priorities,” said Matt Combe, superintendent of the Morrow County School District. “The work of the Bond Oversight Committee, our local Design Advisory Committees, and input from staff, students and community members is creating something very special for our communities.”
The full project includes remodeling the existing school building, classroom additions, wrestling room, an auxiliary gym and adding parking. Design will continue into 2027 with construction expected to begin in 2028.
The Evaluation Committee recommended awarding the contract to Fowler General Construction, which was the highest ranked firm of eight applicants, and was also contracted by the district to build the new Irrigon Jr/Sr High School.
The Design Advisory Committee is working to refine floor plans for all three school projects, including Riverside Jr/Sr High School and Irrigon Jr/Sr High School, with an emphasis on functionality and day-to-day use. SÄ€J Architecture is facilitating this process.
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.