Hutchinson Public Schools has launched the new school year on a high note, with district leaders reporting a smooth start for both staff and students.
However, a major topic this semester will be the upcoming bond election, set for Nov. 4. District leaders say the proposal addresses critical needs ranging from early childhood education to middle school transitions.
USD 308 Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson explained that the district currently operates pre-kindergarten programs at eight different sites, a system many families find confusing. The bond would consolidate early childhood education at a central location, ensuring smoother entry into kindergarten.
The proposal also includes building a new middle school to house grades six through eight, reducing the number of school transitions students face. “Relationships are key during these developmental years,” Johnson said. “Fewer transitions mean stronger continuity for students and parents.”
The district plans to build on land already owned at 23rd and Severance, moving the current soccer field to the high school campus and partnering with the city on new baseball and practice fields.
The bond proposal totals $109 million, less than the inflation-adjusted cost of the district’s last major bond in 2006. Officials estimate the tax increase would be about five mills, or under $5 per month on a $100,000 home.
“This is about preparing for the future of our students and our community,” Johnson said. “The last bond created opportunities that still benefit students today, not just in Hutchinson but across the region. We see this as the next step in building excellence.”
If approved, the bond would also repurpose existing facilities. Hutchinson Middle School 8 would become a hub for student support services, with early childhood programs located on the first floor. Other properties, including Hutchinson Middle School 7 and district offices, may be sold or redeveloped. Johnson said several local organizations have already expressed interest.
“I know the city council is working very hard to take care of blight in our town, and USD 308, Board of Education does not want to add to that. So, there would be a plan for all of those buildings,” Johnson said. “These facilities are valuable and can serve new purposes in the community.”
Dr. Johnson emphasized that the bond is not just about infrastructure, but about preparing students for long-term success. From kindergarten readiness to career and technical education, they say the goal is to create a seamless learning experience.
“Our schools are strong at the elementary and high school levels,” Dr. Johnson said. “This bond allows us to strengthen the middle years and early childhood, ensuring every student is ready for the future.”