North Wasco Schools Awarded $80K for Facilities Planning and Improvements

Apr 11

Written By Columbia Community Connection

From North Wasco County School District #21:

By Stephanie Bowen

The Dalles, Ore., April 10, 2025 — North Wasco County School District (NWCSD) is pleased to announce it has been awarded two $40,000 grants through the Oregon Department of Education’s (ODE) Technical Assistance Program (TAP).

TAP supports Oregon school districts in planning for capital improvements and long-term growth. With this funding, NWCSD will update its Facilities Condition Assessment and develop a Long-Range Facility Plan—critical tools for identifying infrastructure needs and planning for the future.

Pictured: Dr. Carolyn Bernal, future North Wasco County School District 21 Superintendent.

“We’ve been working to renew our facilities reports over the past year, so this is great news for us,” said Dr. Bernal, Superintendent of North Wasco County School District. “These funds will help us take a comprehensive look at our buildings and ensure they’re safe, sustainable, and ready to support future generations of learners.”

NWCSD received grants in two of TAP’s four eligible categories: Facilities Condition Assessments and Long-Range Facility Planning. The district has previously received TAP funding in the other two categories—Seismic Assessments and Environmental Hazard Assessments, which include radon and asbestos testing.

These assessments not only provide essential data on facility conditions, but also position the district for future funding opportunities. Both the Facilities Condition Assessment and Long-Range Facility Plan are prerequisites for applying to the Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching (OSCIM) Program, a key step in planning for a future school bond. Seismic Assessments are similarly required for Business Oregon’s Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program, which supports structural retrofitting of school buildings.

TAP also plays a vital role in helping districts meet environmental safety standards. Between 2019 and 2021, nearly half of Oregon’s school districts completed radon testing with TAP support.

This award marks a significant milestone in NWCSD’s ongoing efforts to maintain safe, healthy, and welcoming learning environments for all students and staff.