Hermiston School District officials are “extremely disappointed” at the results of Tuesday’s election which saw Hermiston voters reject a $104 million school bond by a wide margin.
The election results showed 42 percent in favor versus 58 percent opposed.
“We were extremely disappointed to learn that voters did not approve the ballot measure,” said Superintendent of Hermiston Schools Dr. Fred Maiocco. “The election results indicate that we have more work to do in educating the community about the challenges facing our growing district. The election results will require district administration to work with the board of directors to consider other possible solutions for the facility challenges we are facing.”
If approved, the May 16 bond would have allowed the district to replace Rocky Heights and Highland Hills Elementary Schools at their current locations; build a new elementary school on district-owned property near Theater Lane; expand Hermiston High School; and address deferred maintenance, parking and ventilation systems at Sandstone Middle School.
The bond request was made following three years of intensive analysis and planning, involving a large number of staff and community members who served on the Facility Master Planning Committee, the Citizens Review Committee, and various subcommittees.
In 2008 voters approved a $69.9 million bond, which replaced Sunset and West Park Elementary Schools on their sites and replaced Armand Larive Middle School on district-owned property at SW 9th Street and Gettman Road.
