MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Public Schools USD 308 is expected to take the next step toward asking voters to consider a scaled-back bond proposal after a larger measure was rejected last year.
During its meeting Monday evening, the USD 308 Board of Education is expected to vote on whether to place a proposed $36 million bond issue on the Nov. 3 general election ballot.
The proposal comes after voters overwhelmingly rejected a nearly $110 million bond measure in 2025 that included construction of a new combined middle school.
According to district officials, the revised proposal was developed following extensive community feedback, including district surveys that indicated residents preferred prioritizing maintenance and improvements to existing school buildings over constructing a new facility.
If approved by voters, the bond would be used alongside the district's capital outlay funds to finance improvements throughout the school system.
Planned projects include HVAC and roof replacements, playground improvements, safety and security upgrades, storm shelters and gymnasium improvements at multiple schools.
The largest single investment, estimated at nearly $12 million, would fund storm shelters and gymnasiums, along with STEM and band additions, at Allen Magnet Elementary, Graber Elementary and Wiley Elementary.
During a June board meeting, Director of Finance Abby Stokebrand told board members the proposed bond would be repaid over 10 years and includes improvements at every school in the district.
"This is how we make sure that we have all of our buildings being maintained," Stokebrand said. "We have a lot of buildings."
She said combining bond proceeds with the district's capital outlay funding would allow USD 308 not only to maintain its facilities but also modernize them to better serve students and staff.
"It's not just keeping the wheels on the bus, but making sure it's enhanced with what the needs of our students and staff are today," Stokebrand said.
Stokebrand also emphasized that if voters reject the proposal, the district will continue maintaining its buildings using available resources. However, she said larger projects—including new playgrounds, renovations and additional elementary school storm shelters—would likely be delayed or eliminated because of funding limitations.
The Board of Education will meet at 6 p.m. Monday, July 27, at the USD 308 Administration Center, 1520 N. Plum St.