Hutchinson Public Schools officials are encouraging voters to learn the facts about the district’s upcoming bond proposal, emphasizing transparency, affordability, and long-term benefits for students and the community.
Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson, and Curriculum Coordinator Lisa Yantes, discussed the plan and addressed key questions in a recent interview.
Understanding the bond proposal
Dr. Johnson said the district’s website, usd308.com, is the best single source of information about the bond, including a bond calculator that allows property owners to see exactly how the proposal would affect their taxes.
“For a $100,000 home, the five mills would cost less than $5 a month,” Johnson explained. “You can plug in your market value, and it will calculate your annual and monthly change.”
If approved, the district’s mill levy would rise from about 52 to 57 mills — still lower than many surrounding school districts. Johnson noted that USD 308 has lowered its mill levy nine times in the past ten years, dropping it by 3.5 mills overall, and that this increase is designed to keep Hutchinson competitive with nearby communities such as Andover, Derby, and Goddard that have all passed new school bonds.
Addressing common questions
Johnson said much of the current discussion stems from understandable concerns about property taxes and enrollment.
“Property values have gone up significantly — about 65% in some cases — and that drives up taxes even when the mill rate stays low,” she said. “At the same time, we’ve continued to reduce our mill levy wherever possible.”
As for declining enrollment, Johnson clarified that the issue is tied to countywide population decline, not a lack of confidence in Hutchinson schools.
“In 2015, we had 4,700 students; today we have about 4,000,” she said. “Those 4,000 deserve the same quality education as their predecessors. Hutchinson isn’t a dying town — it’s growing, with new industries coming in. Quality schools are vital for attracting families and businesses.”
Building locations and floodplain concerns
Johnson said heat mapping data showed that most USD 308 students live between 4th Avenue and 23rd Avenue, making a central campus location most efficient.
The district is also addressing concerns about a potential floodplain near the proposed middle school site. “Civil engineers are working closely with the city,” Johnson said. “There’s already a planned retention pond and other mitigation steps. The floodplain designation may even be overstated.”
Repurposing, not abandoning, buildings
The bond plan calls for repurposing the first floor of HMS-8 for early childhood education — a $5 million project that saves over $20 million compared to building new.
“We’ve had a lot of interest from organizations in the buildings we’d take offline,” Johnson said. “Nothing will just sit empty.”
Acedemic benefits and curriculum alignment
Curriculum Coordinator Lisa Yantes emphasized how the middle school redesign would strengthen learning continuity.
“When sixth, seventh, and eighth grades are together, teachers can collaborate more effectively,” Yantes said. “It allows us to align curriculum across subjects and create a smoother transition into high school.”
Yantes also highlighted the district’s strong dual-credit and technical education programs, noting that many Hutchinson High students graduate with college credits — sometimes enough to earn a degree a year early.
By the numbers: Hutchinson vs area schools
Dr. Johnson shared comparative data showing USD 308’s performance in line with other area districts:
• Graduation rate: 92% (comparable to nearby schools ranging 84–94%)
• Per-pupil spending: $18,400 (close to the state average of $18,300)
• ACT and proficiency scores: Middle of the regional range
• Technical and college courses offered: 206 technical, 112 college — among the highest in the region
Voting details and professionals development
Early voting begins Monday, Oct. 21, at the Reno County Annex, with Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Yantes also noted that USD 308 teachers will participate in a district-wide professional development day focused on “visible learning,” designed to help educators clearly define learning goals and success criteria for students.
For full bond details, tax calculators, and project renderings, residents can visit usd308.com