Over the past two years, the district has reviewed and discussed school facility maintenance needs, education adequacy and student safety.

All aspects of the district’s facilities were analyzed, and educational spaces were rated based on their ability to support the district’s educational vision. The result is a Facility Plan developed in collaboration with school staff, parents and community leaders.

The district considered options for addressing the identified facility needs, including placing a bond measure before Oregon Trail voters.

The Welches Elementary and Middle School campus is one of the most remote and rural campuses and serves an essential and unique community. The vision for the Welches Campus is to develop a community school concept. This plan would consolidate K-8 core classrooms into the current middle school building and would accommodate a preschool and other school and community needs in the current elementary building.

The physical condition of the buildings, while well-maintained, has many elements at the end of their practical lifespan. Some siding and windows need replacement, and the mechanical system is beyond its practical lifespan. Parts of the roofing need repair/replacement, as well as the siding. Some of the flooring and ceilings are also in need of repair/replacement. The cafeteria is under capacity for current needs and the gymnasium overall needs significant improvements.