HUTCHINSON — The Hutchinson USD 308 Board of Education has scheduled a special meeting next week to further discuss the possibility of a new bond election, following feedback from a recent community survey.
Board members called the special session after reviewing results from a post-election survey tied to the district’s unsuccessful November 2025 bond proposal. The survey, conducted by Discovery Works Collaborative, generated 1,192 responses, including 465 from confirmed voters.
The voters said the cost of the proposal emerged as the leading reason for opposition, with more than 63% citing it as a key factor. Other major concerns included the proposed location of a new middle school, declining enrollment, and the perception that the tax increase and overall scope of the project were too large.
Survey data also showed similar concerns among respondents whose voting status was unknown, with declining enrollment and project scope ranking among the top reasons for voting no.
Despite the failed proposal, the survey highlighted continued support for certain targeted improvements. Safety and security upgrades at elementary schools—particularly secure entryways and storm shelters—ranked as top priorities across all groups.
Consultants also presented two scaled-down bond concepts. One option, focused on updating aging facilities and improving food service and safety measures, would increase property taxes by an estimated $36 annually on a $100,000 home. That proposal received modest majority support.
A second option, centered on maintaining existing schools with safety, infrastructure, and accessibility improvements without increasing the tax rate, drew significantly stronger support.
However, affordability remains a major concern. Roughly two-thirds of respondents said they could not support higher property taxes, regardless of the project’s merits. At the same time, a majority disagreed with the idea that current school facilities are adequate as-is.
The special meeting is set for 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, at the district’s Administration Center, 1520 N. Plum St., and will also be streamed live on the district’s Facebook page.