HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 officials say a proposed $36 million bond issue focuses on essential building needs while avoiding an increase in the district’s property tax rate.
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Krystal Young and USD 308 Board of Education member Tad Dower discussed the proposal during an interview on the BW Morning Show.
Dower said the district significantly scaled back the proposal following the defeat of its previous bond issue. He said community feedback indicated the earlier proposal was too large and lasted too long.
The new proposal totals $36 million over 12 years, which Dower said is half the length and less than one-third of the cost of the previous proposal.
Dower described the proposal as a “meat and potatoes bond,” concentrating primarily on safety and security improvements, roofing and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.
USD 308 maintains about 1.3 million square feet of space, and its elementary schools average about 75 years old. Dower said the proposal would address needs at every school. Unlike the previous bond proposal, it does not include construction of a new building at the 23rd and Severance sports complex.
District officials also say passage of the bond would not increase the property tax rate. Dower said the Board of Education has already approved a budget with a lower property tax rate, resulting in an estimated decrease of about $12 per $100,000 of assessed valuation. That reduction will remain in place whether the bond passes or fails.
During the interview, Young also highlighted improvements in student performance. She said the district has made progress in kindergarten readiness, third- and 10th-grade reading and chronic absenteeism.
Young said Hutchinson High School's graduation rate has reached 91.2%, exceeding the statewide rate of 90.5%. The district reached its strategic-plan graduation goal two years ahead of schedule.
USD 308 is also using a new approach to teacher recruitment. Young said the district is seeking six certified elementary teachers who would begin work in December. The teachers could assist with needs such as long-term substitute positions while spending several months learning the district's schools and expectations before potentially taking over classrooms the following school year.
The district has two additional community meetings scheduled this month to provide information about the bond. Meetings are set for Wednesday, Oct. 21, and Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the Career and Technical Education Center on 15th Circle.
Officials said the meetings are open to anyone who wants to ask questions or learn more about the district's plans for students, facilities and the bond proposal.