Sweet Home board unanimously OKs application for $12.2 million state school improvement match

At its Nov. 11 meeting, the Sweet Home School District 55 Board of Directors voted unanimously to authorize staff to apply for the Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching Grant, a state program that could bring a potential $12,200,000 in matching funds for facility and safety improvements at district schools, including Sweet Home High School.

District staff described the grant as a limited window of opportunity and said the application is due on December 15. A district staff member told the board, “we would then receive a $12,200,000 Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching Grant,” and urged the board to direct staff to complete and submit the application so the district could learn its priority ranking in early 2026.

In presenting the opportunity, staff framed it as a way to fund upgrades without increasing the local tax rate. Staff noted two factors that make Sweet Home competitive now: relatively low assessed value per student and a higher poverty rate, both factors the state is using for prioritization. Staff cautioned the board that the state might change its formula to incorporate a statewide facility assessment, which could change district rankings in future rounds.

Board member Dennis moved to authorize proceeding with the grant application; Rachel seconded. The motion passed by voice vote with no nays. The board directed staff to return with results and next steps if the district is placed high enough on the state priority list to be guaranteed funding.

Next steps: staff will complete and submit the application by the Dec. 15 deadline and report back to the board on the district’s position on the state priority list in early 2026 before any decision to place a bond on a future ballot.