Hermiston School Bond ‘Crushed’ By Voters, No New Schools Coming

By a percentage of 42 yes, but 58 no, Hermiston voters have rejected a $104 million dollar bond that would have corrected significant overcrowding problems in the city's grade schools, and other logistical issues.

According to KNDU-TV, May 16 voters chose not to pass the measure.  School officials were said to be "very disappointed," and vow to do a better job of educating citizens about what issues they are facing.

The proposed measure would have replaced two existing elementary schools, built a third, as well as expanding Hermiston High School. It would also have taken care of a number of HVAC and other mechanical and infrastructure needs.

Back in 2009, voters did approve a bond that resulted in the replacement of two elementaries and the Armand Larive Middle school.

Hermiston High will be joining the 3A Mid Columbia Conference for sports starting with the 2018 school year. That move is another cost-cutting measure, as Oregon officials were going to make the rapidly growing school join a Portland-based athletic conference.  This would have piled up over 3,000 miles in travel, kept students out of class for up to two weeks (due to missed travel time) and decimated the travel and athletic budget.