MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Storm shelters, roof replacements and upgrades to aging building systems are among the projects Hutchinson USD 308 officials say would be addressed through a bond proposal going before voters Nov. 3.
During an interview on the BW Morning Show, school board President Lance Patterson and former district maintenance administrator Randy Norwood outlined the proposed improvements and the financial approach behind the 12-year bond.
Patterson said the proposal focuses on maintaining existing facilities, with projects planned at every district building.
“This is the nitty gritty, the meat and potatoes of taking care of the facilities that the district has,” Patterson said.
A major component would add storm shelters at Allen, Graber and Wiley elementary schools. The spaces also would serve as gymnasiums and accommodate other school activities.
Patterson said students currently have designated shelter areas, but those locations are spread throughout the buildings, including restrooms and basements.
“Providing these storm shelters that are built to a higher standard than what we have currently will allow the kids a centralized location to go to,” Patterson said.
The additions also would give each elementary school separate spaces for meals and physical education. Norwood said schools with only one shared space face scheduling challenges, particularly during bad weather.
Additional space would allow physical education classes and indoor recess to continue without moving into classrooms. Other improvements would provide more suitable locations for band, orchestra and other activities that sometimes share stages, libraries or classrooms.
Patterson said the gymnasiums also could provide additional practice locations for community youth sports teams.
Other proposed projects include roof replacements, heating and cooling system replacements, accessible restroom improvements, plumbing work, food service upgrades, playground improvements and safety and security enhancements.
Norwood said the district maintains approximately 1.3 million square feet of buildings. Many systems installed during the same period are now approaching replacement.
“They’re at the end of their life expectancy, so they’re wearing out at about the same schedule,” Norwood said.
He cited a $3.6 million high school roof replacement as an example of an expense the district’s existing capital outlay budget could not readily absorb while continuing to meet other maintenance needs.
Patterson said budget adjustments and the district’s debt repayment schedule would allow the bond to be issued without increasing the district’s overall mill levy. An individual property’s tax bill also depends on its assessed valuation.
He said the proposal reflects feedback following the rejection of an earlier bond effort, including concerns about higher taxes and construction of new school buildings.
The current proposal focuses on improvements to existing schools, including the shelter and gymnasium additions.
District officials said public information sessions are scheduled from 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 21 and Oct. 28 at the Career and Technical Education Academy. Residents can ask questions about the proposed projects and financing.
Advance voting is underway.