Director Dr. Charlene Williams | Oregon Department Of Education
The Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching (OSCIM) Program has achieved a significant milestone by providing additional funds for over 100 school bond elections. This follows recent votes in six school districts, including Sheridan, Tillamook, Morrow, Lincoln County, Tigard-Tualatin, and Portland. Since its inception in 2016, the OSCIM Program has awarded more than $494 million in matching funds to supplement the $10.3 billion in bonds approved by voters.
Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), highlighted the impact of these funds on education: “Upgrading facilities and providing students and educators with the critical equipment they need directly impacts student learning and growth.” She emphasized that this program enables communities across Oregon to enhance local funding with substantial state contributions to address school needs.
To apply for the OSCIM Program, school districts must first complete a Facilities Assessment and Long-Range Facility Plan. The ODE commits funds ahead of elections so that districts can inform their communities about potential state contributions if local bonds are passed.
The grants provided by OSCIM can reach up to $6 million for most districts, with some receiving as much as $12 million. Awards are determined using an OSCIM Funding Formula and are based on each district's position on either the Priority List or First in Time List. Further details can be found on the ODE website.
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