MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
The Hutchinson USD 308 Board of Education voted Monday night to place a $36 million bond issue before voters on the Nov. 3 general election ballot following an extended discussion over the district's facility needs, public trust and the timing of another bond proposal.
The proposal is significantly smaller than the district's unsuccessful $110 million bond issue rejected by voters last November. District leaders said the new proposal focuses on maintaining existing facilities rather than constructing a new middle school.
If approved by voters, the bond would fund roof and HVAC replacements, safety and security improvements, storm shelters, restroom renovations, ADA accessibility upgrades, food service improvements, interior renovations, playground improvements and parking lot upgrades at district facilities. District officials estimate the projects would be financed through a $36 million bond combined with approximately $30 million in capital outlay funding.
Before the vote, Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson said the district had adjusted its plans based on community feedback received after last year's bond election.
The discussion among board members lasted more than an hour and centered largely on whether the district should seek voter approval this fall.
Board member Lindsey Hatfield voiced opposition to moving forward, citing community survey results conducted after last year's election.
"We pride ourselves on being data-driven," Hatfield said. "We have clear data from the election and from that survey."
Hatfield said she believes the district should spend more time rebuilding public trust before asking voters to approve another bond.
"I think the best way for us to move forward is to listen to them, continue our strategic plan, improve our test results, our graduation rates, and then try again," she said.
She also expressed concern another unsuccessful election could further erode confidence in the district and encourage candidates who do not support public education to seek school board positions.
Other board members acknowledged the concerns but argued delaying needed maintenance would increase costs and create greater financial challenges in the future.
Board member Cheryl Thompson said waiting until the district's current bond retires could require a substantially larger future tax levy to complete the same projects.
"We're not asking for a new school," Thompson said. "We heard them. We're asking for help maintaining the buildings."
Board President Lance Patterson said the board has a responsibility to address facility needs while continuing efforts to build trust with the community.
"We're asking the community to make that choice," Patterson said. "Do you want to invest in our schools or not?"
Several board members also noted the proposal emphasizes infrastructure improvements that research has linked to improved student learning environments while providing more equitable facilities across the district.
During the discussion, board members also addressed misconceptions they said have circulated following last year's bond election, emphasizing that the proposal differs substantially from the previous measure and that none of the bond proceeds would fund administrative salaries.
Johnson said the district expects its overall mill levy to decrease under the proposed 2027 budget and noted the bond proposal would be presented transparently, including estimated financing costs.
Following discussion, the board approved a resolution calling the bond election. The measure will appear before USD 308 voters on the Nov. 3 ballot.