Ontario Schools Weigh 2027 Bond Measure
The Ontario School Board reviewed progress on a proposed bond issue that could appear on the May 2027 ballot.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Administration
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The Ontario School Board discussed the bond committee's progress at its Oct. 26 work session. Ontario is among 10 school districts prioritized to receive a $12 million bond match administered by the Oregon Department of Education.
Why it matters
The Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching program is intended to encourage communities to invest in improving local school facilities. The district's last bond attempt occurred in 2019.
The district is compiling a list of projects completed since the 2019 bond attempt, and the $12 million match is among 10 districts prioritized by the state. Final bond scope and dollar amount have not been determined.
The players
Nicole Albisu
Superintendent of the Ontario School District who is leading the district's bond planning efforts.
Oregon Department of Education
State agency that administers the Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching program providing the bond match.
The details
Bond match monies would fund facility and infrastructure projects, with proposed work including exterior enclosure additions at Aiken Elementary School, Alameda Intermediate School and Ontario High School. Superintendent Nicole Albisu is leading the district's bond planning.
Timeline
2019: Last attempt to pass a school bond.
Oct. 26, 2026: Board work session discussed bond committee progress.
Nov. 9, 2026: Second Bond Committee meeting to review pre-bond survey results.
May 2027: Proposed bond measure would appear on the ballot if the board moves forward.
Administration Context
Ontario's bond planning operates under the Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching program, which the state uses to co-fund local school facility investments. The district's return to the ballot follows a 2019 attempt that did not result in a passed bond.
Residents should watch for the board's decision after the Nov. 9 meeting, since a May 2027 ballot would determine whether funding goes toward exterior enclosure work at Aiken, Alameda and Ontario High School. Voters would decide on any bond measure at the ballot box.
The takeaway
Bond planning in Ontario depends on survey results and a state match of $12 million, so the upcoming November review will show whether the district proceeds toward a May 2027 vote.
What happens next
The board will hold a second Bond Committee meeting on Nov. 9, 2026 to review pre-bond survey results before deciding whether to move forward toward the May 2027 ballot.
Further reading
For broader context on how districts plan facility funding, see Administration coverage across Ontario schools.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Argus Observer | Ontario, OR.
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