A Jefferson County Middle School teacher is asking the community for one simple thing: a vote. Jamie Hurd has been selected as a regional finalist for SELCO Community Credit Union's Regional Classroom Makeover program, which awards up to $15,000 to transform school learning spaces. Public voting opens this Sunday, November 1.
A Garden in Need of Revival
Hurd's proposal centers on revitalizing a deteriorating outdoor garden at Jefferson County Middle School. The vision calls for irrigated garden plots, fruit trees, and pollinator habitat — turning a neglected corner of the campus into a hands-on outdoor classroom where students can grow food, observe ecosystems, and connect classroom science lessons to the living world outside.
In Madras's dry, high-desert climate, a functional irrigated garden requires real infrastructure investment. Grant funding would cover the materials, irrigation systems, and plantings needed to make the space sustainable and educationally productive year-round.
Warm Springs School Also in the Running
Jefferson County has a second finalist in the mix. McKenna Devine of Warm Springs K-8 Academy proposed an inclusive elementary gym featuring an indoor climbing wall and interactive projection system — a project aimed at making physical education more engaging and accessible for all students at the reservation school.
Both Jefferson County schools are competing within SELCO's Central and Eastern Oregon region, where one finalist will receive up to $15,000. The third regional finalist is Erin Maxon of Cascades Academy in Bend, who proposed upgraded sound, lighting, and music equipment for a school gathering space.
How to Vote
Public voting opens Sunday, November 1 on SELCO's website at selco.org. Voting is open to everyone — you do not need to be a SELCO member to cast a ballot.
"The creativity and dedication of Oregon educators continues to inspire us," said Olivia Sorensen, SELCO Community Development Supervisor. "These finalists have identified meaningful ways to make their learning environments more inclusive, engaging and effective for their students. We're excited to bring the vote to the public."
About the Program
Now in its third year, the SELCO Regional Classroom Makeover is part of the credit union's SELCO Steps Up community initiative. SELCO defines "classroom" broadly — eligible spaces include traditional rooms, libraries, gymnasiums, and outdoor learning areas. Since launching in 2024, the program has provided nearly $90,000 in support to Oregon schools.
SELCO was founded in 1936 by a group of Oregon teachers. The Springfield-based financial cooperative now serves more than 150,000 members statewide and manages over $3 billion in assets.