Oregon Department of Education - Oregon Achieves Together

NEWS RELEASE: Oregon Department of Education Celebrates Milestone for School Bond Matching Program

Oregon Department of Education sent this bulletin at 06/17/2025 11:00 AM PDT

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NEWS RELEASE
June 17, 2025
Media Contact: Liz Merah

Oregon Department of Education Celebrates Milestone for School Bond Matching Program

The Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching (OSCIM) Program has provided additional funds for more than 100 school bond elections following votes this month in six school districts. OSCIM has now awarded more than $494 million in matching funds that added to $10.3 billion in bonds approved by voters since 2016.

(Salem, OR) – With successful bond votes in the Sheridan, Tillamook, Morrow, Lincoln County, Tigard-Tualatin and Portland school districts earlier this month, more than 100 school districts have now leveraged local tax dollars with matching funds from the state through the Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching (OSCIM) Program. Since the program began in 2016, OSCIM has added $494 million to the $10.3 billion in bonds voters approved, allowing school districts to do more to improve schools without adding to the taxes paid by property owners.

“Upgrading facilities and providing students and educators with the critical equipment they need directly impacts student learning and growth,” said ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams. “This program allows communities large and small, from Astoria to Ontario, to dramatically amplify local funds with multimillion dollar state funds to meet local school needs.”

Before submitting an application to the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) for the OSCIM Program, school districts must first complete a Facilities Assessment and Long-Range Facility Plan. ODE makes commitments ahead of elections so districts can inform their communities of the potential for additional funds from the state if the local bond passes.

OSCIM grants are up to $6 million for most districts, with some receiving up to $12 million. Awards are calculated using an OSCIM Funding Formula, and districts are awarded grants based on their position on the Priority List or First in Time List. Details are available on the ODE website.

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