MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
In the wake of the failed USD 308 bond proposal earlier this month, district leadership is taking a step back, asking pointed questions, and preparing to engage more directly with voters before deciding what comes next. Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson and Communications Director Stacy Goss joined KWBW Radio this week for a wide-ranging conversation about the bond results, community concerns, fall activities, and the approaching winter season.
Johnson said the Board of Education plans to begin a series of listening sessions — informal and formal — to understand both the reasons behind the “no” vote and what residents would support moving forward.
One challenge, Johnson said, is that the district’s original survey — the backbone for much of the bond planning — was conducted two years ago. That data may simply no longer reflect the economic and political environment of 2025.
The consultant who managed the survey told district officials at a recent school board conference that survey results are typically reliable for only about six months.
“Truthfully, the public told us back then what they thought,” Johnson said. “But the environment has changed. Costs have gone up. People are squeezed. Taxes are top of mind.”
Johnson said the most common message she heard from bond opponents centered on property taxes. “Whether it’s one mill or five mills, it feels the same to many families right now,” he said. “People are stretched thin.”
Johnson acknowledged that concerns from voters about older buildings, athletic field relocation, and the fate of non-renovated campuses were legitimate. Those issues were discussed at length during the three-year bond committee process, she said — but some of the people raising those concerns now were not involved earlier.
“A board member told me, ‘If I could go back and do anything differently, I would have invited more of those folks to serve on the committee,’” Johnson said. “A lot of the alternatives being suggested today are things we actually talked about. If they had been at the table from the beginning, maybe the outcome would have been different.”
Despite the bond’s defeat, the need hasn’t disappeared. The district is now essentially at “square one,” revisiting both the proposal and community sentiment.
Following the election, Reno County released updated mill levy figures for surrounding districts. Johnson noted that USD 308 sits at 52 mills, well below several neighboring districts operating at or above 60 mills.
The failed proposal would have increased Hutchinson to 57 mills, still under nearby school districts.
“It was a comprehensive package that addressed older buildings and future needs,” Johnson said. “This was about elevating Hutchinson. Strong schools attract families. They attract businesses. They’re foundational for growth.”
Goss highlighted the many positive student achievements happening across the district, including signing day at Hutchinson High School, where multiple athletes committed to continue their academic and athletic careers at community colleges and four-year universities.
“It’s exciting for the students, but also a big moment for families,” Goss said. “They decorate tables, bring college gear — it’s a fun, meaningful celebration of what’s next for these kids.”
She also reminded families of the district’s digital event calendar at usd308.com, where parents and grandparents can add concerts, fundraisers, games, and school events directly to their personal devices.
One of the biggest upcoming events is the districtwide orchestra, band, and choir concert on Dec. 15 at the Hutchinson High School Performing Arts Center. Thousands of students and families typically rotate through the PAC during the multi-hour performance.
Fall theater wrapped earlier this month with another strong turnout. “Drama is a huge part of what we offer,” Johnson said. “You can draw large casts and get many students involved. It’s a major part of the fall season.”
With fall sports concluding, basketball season now sits right around the corner. Hutchinson High School will host an early-season tournament December 5–6, with several visiting schools participating.
“We’re proud of our facilities,” Johnson said. “It’s great to have home-court advantage and bring other teams and their families into the Salthawk Activity Center.”
As winter approaches, Johnson emphasized the importance of families ensuring their phone numbers and contact information are correct in the district’s system.
“Snow rarely hits during the day. It always seems to arrive overnight,” Johnson said. “We’d love to make the call the night before, and that’s our goal whenever possible. But often we’re up at 4 a.m. checking roads and conditions.”