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Ontario SD 8C board reviews bond options, hears $12 million plan that could double with state match
Summary
Superintendent Nicole Albisu and finance staff outlined bond scenarios to fund approved facilities projects; a $12 million option would be eligible for a state match that Albisu said would yield $24 million, and the board discussed community outreach and a December 2027 decision deadline.
Superintendent Nicole Albisu presented bond options to the Ontario School District 8C Board, saying the district's long-range facilities plan could be advanced without increasing the community's current payment rate if the board chooses an appropriate bond amount. Albisu said one option under consideration is a $12 million bond that "the state would match" so the district would receive $24 million to apply to facilities work.
Director of Finance Devin Collins explained the state examines interest rates and reassesses available matching funds over time, so the exact match and debt service depend on market conditions and the board's decision on bond size. Albisu said the district will prepare a timeline of important dates and hold community meetings to gather public feedback before a final decision. She noted the current bond ends in 2027 and that the long-range facilities plan approved by the Oregon Department of Education provides a roadmap for proposed projects.
Board members flagged communication as a priority. Director Mike Blackaby said the community needs clear information about how much homeowners would pay; Vice-Chair Abby Apodaca warned against implying a tax cut when the change would not reduce current payments. Facilities Director Bob Bennett reviewed how the long-range plan and bond planning are coordinated at the district level.
No motion was made or vote recorded at the work session. Albisu told the board that a decision on the bond amount would need to be made by December 2027 to align with financing and planning timelines.
