HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 officials say a proposed $36 million bond issue would address the district’s most immediate facility needs while creating a long-term plan for future repairs and improvements.
The USD 308 Board of Education recently approved placing the bond question on the Nov. 3 ballot. Proposed projects include roof and heating, ventilation and air conditioning replacements, storm shelter additions, safety and security upgrades and restroom renovations to meet accessibility requirements.
Board President Lance Patterson said the district developed the proposal after voters rejected a larger bond issue last year.
“We needed to do something,” Patterson said. “The needs continue.”
Patterson said the district worked to identify projects that must be completed now while finding a way to address other needs over time through its capital outlay budget.
“What do we need to do right now?” Patterson said. “That is our bond. That’s the $36 million bond.”
The largest portion of the proposal would fund storm shelters that could also be used as gymnasium space at Graber Elementary, Allen STEM Magnet and Wiley Elementary.
The three schools already have storm shelter areas, but district officials said the proposed additions would provide more accessible and modern spaces. They would also give the schools additional flexibility when scheduling physical education classes, meals and other activities.
Abby Stockebrand, the district’s director of finance, said some students currently must use basement areas during severe weather.
“If you have a disability, it’s not as accessible or you can’t do it as quickly,” Stockebrand said. “We do not want kids to rush down the stairs because that would be a problem.”
Stockebrand said the proposed shelters would be located on one level, making them easier for students and staff to reach during an emergency.
The proposal also includes approximately $5 million for restroom renovations and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act at five district buildings.
“We want to have ADA-compliant bathrooms for our students, staff and families,” Stockebrand said. “But those prices just exceed what the mills are able to provide from the community.”
District officials said the projects included in the proposal represent only a portion of USD 308’s overall facility needs. Stockebrand said the district identified more than $100 million in needs, even after removing some projects from consideration.
“We are a small-footprint district that has a big impact in our community,” Stockebrand said. “We just have a lot of needs.”
She said construction prices increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic and have remained high, making it difficult for the district to cover major projects through annual capital outlay funding alone.
Patterson said the bond would handle urgent work while capital outlay funds would be used strategically to stagger future projects.
“With the bond doing some of these things that need to be done right now, and then coupled with a really strategic plan of how to use our capital outlay, I think we’ve got a really solid plan for our facilities and for our district moving forward,” Patterson said.
The proposal also includes safety and security improvements at Hutchinson Middle School 7, Hutchinson Middle School 8 and the Career and Technical Education Academy.
Patterson said the buildings were constructed when security standards were different and need upgrades to meet current expectations.
USD 308 officials also said the district will not exceed its revenue-neutral rate in the upcoming budget. Stockebrand said the proposed mill levy was reduced by approximately 1 mill following additional budget discussions.
Residents may still receive a notice from Reno County stating that the district planned to exceed the revenue-neutral rate because preliminary information was due to the county before the district completed its budget.
The board is scheduled to convene for a revenue-neutral rate hearing at 5:45 p.m. Aug. 24 at the USD 308 Administration Center, followed by its budget hearing.
“If you come at that time, we will just announce that we have not exceeded revenue neutral,” Stockebrand said.