MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 will hold a series of public meetings in October to provide information about a proposed $36 million bond issue that will go before voters Nov. 3.
Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson said during an interview on the BW Morning Show that the proposal represents a restart from the district's previous bond effort. She said district officials used community surveys and other feedback in developing the new plan.
“This bond is completely different,” Johnson said. “We started over, listened to the community, took the feedback that came from the surveys.”
Johnson described the $36 million proposal as a “needs-only” bond focused primarily on maintaining and improving existing district facilities.
Among the projects are replacements and repairs to aging roofs and HVAC systems. Johnson said replacing an HVAC system at a single school can cost approximately $500,000, and the district wants to stay ahead of those maintenance needs.
Safety and security improvements are also included. Johnson said most USD 308 schools already have secure entrances requiring visitors to be admitted into the building, but some schools still need upgrades.
The proposal would also address differences among the district's elementary school facilities. Some elementary schools have two gyms, allowing one to serve as a cafeteria while the other remains available for physical education. At schools with only one gym, Johnson said physical education can be displaced while breakfast and lunch are served.
The proposed additions at three elementary schools would also be constructed to serve as storm shelters.
Johnson said the shelters could have a broader community benefit because the elementary schools are located in residential neighborhoods. During severe weather outside regular school hours, the facilities could potentially be opened as community storm shelters.
Johnson emphasized that the district is presenting the proposal as a no-tax-increase bond.
The district recently lowered its mill levy during the budget process. Johnson said USD 308 also reduced its budget by approximately $500,000 in order to keep taxes lower for district patrons.
USD 308 will hold four community meetings during October to provide details about the proposal and answer questions.
The first two meetings will be held Oct. 7 and Oct. 14 at HMS-7 on Avenue A. Additional meetings are scheduled Oct. 21 and Oct. 28 at the Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Academy.
“We invite folks out,” Johnson said. “Come out so that we can share with you what's in this $36 million, which is really some needs, again, that touches all of our schools.”
The $36 million USD 308 bond proposal will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot.