HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Public Schools voters will decide Tuesday, Nov. 3, whether to approve a $36 million bond issue to pay for improvements to existing school buildings, including roof replacements, heating and cooling systems, security upgrades and storm shelters.
The proposal comes one year after voters rejected a significantly larger $109.5 million bond issue that included construction of a new middle school.
District officials say this year's plan focuses on essential facility improvements while maintaining the district's current bond-related property tax mill levy.
The proposed bonds would be repaid over 12 years, compared with the 25-year repayment schedule included in last year's proposal.
What's included in the proposal?
The $36 million plan would address infrastructure and facility needs throughout USD 308.
Projects include replacing aging roofs and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, improving school security, renovating restrooms, upgrading food service areas and improving accessibility.
Some of the largest improvements would take place at Allen STEM Magnet, Graber Elementary and Wiley Elementary.
Those schools would receive additions designed to serve as both gymnasiums and storm shelters, providing more space for physical education and other activities while improving access to shelter during severe weather.
Allen STEM Magnet would also receive expanded classroom space for band and STEM instruction.
Other proposed projects include roof replacements at Faris Elementary, Lincoln-McCandless Elementary, Hutchinson Middle School 7 and Hutchinson High School.
Additional improvements would address playgrounds, parking areas, interior classrooms and controlled building entrances.
District officials say the work would improve existing facilities rather than fund construction of a new school.
How does this compare with last year's proposal?
The USD 308 Board of Education placed a $109.5 million bond proposal before voters in 2025. That plan included construction of a new middle school and other district facilities.
Following its defeat, district leaders reviewed community feedback and developed a smaller proposal concentrating on existing buildings.
The current proposal is less than one-third the cost of the previous bond issue and would be repaid over 12 years instead of 25.
District officials have described the revised plan as a response to concerns about the cost and scope of last year's proposal.
What would the bond cost taxpayers?
USD 308 officials say the district can finance the proposed improvements without increasing its current bond-related property tax mill levy.
According to the official bond election notice, the district would issue up to $36 million in general obligation bonds.
The financing plan includes approximately $12.58 million in projected interest costs over the life of the bonds, based on an estimated average interest rate of 4.5%.
Average annual principal and interest payments are projected at approximately $4.05 million.
The district anticipates receiving approximately $485,833 annually in state bond aid, although the amount could change in future years.
The official notice estimates a 10.704-mill property tax levy for the district's share of bond payments with the current level of state aid.
District officials maintain that the new proposal would not require an increase to the existing bond-related levy.
What happens if voters approve or reject the bond?
A majority vote in favor would authorize USD 308 to issue up to $36 million in general obligation bonds to finance the proposed improvements.
The district could then move forward with the projects included in the bond plan.
If the proposal fails, the district would not receive authorization to issue the bonds. District officials would need to determine how to address the facility needs through existing resources or other funding options.
When is the election?
The bond question will appear on the Nov. 3 general election ballot for registered voters residing within USD 308 boundaries.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Advance voting continues at the Reno County Annex, including Saturday voting from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 31. Advance voting closes at noon Monday, Nov. 2.