WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Hutchinson Public Schools USD 308 is seeking voter approval for a nearly $110 million bond to fund improvements aimed at upgrading elementary schools, adding new gyms, centralizing early childhood education, and establishing a new middle school. The initiative has sparked a debate among residents, with supporters and opponents presenting their arguments.
Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson emphasizes that the bond is designed to modernize several schools within the district. She highlights that the current layout of the district’s buildings is too spread out, which she believes hinders the educational experience for students.
“Fifteen years ago, when our population was higher, students received an outstanding education. We want to ensure that the 4,000 students in our district today also have access to the best possible education. Hutchinson is a viable community, and we are committed to providing quality education for these students moving forward,” she explained.
Currently, sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students attend different buildings, which proponents of the bond argue disrupts the learning environment. They suggest that this constant movement between facilities prevents meaningful teacher-student relationships from forming.
“And so we’re just keeping them in school, moving them through, rather than giving them this holistic middle school experience with those stable, caring adults,” said Kari Mailloux, co-chair of Vote Yes for Hutch Kids.
However, the high cost of the bond has raised concerns among some residents. Stop the Bond – Hutchinson, a group opposing the measure, argues that the financial burden on homeowners is significant.
According to the school district, a home valued at $100,000 would see a monthly property tax increase of just under $5 if the bond passes. Despite this, opponents like Dustin Sawyer, chairperson of Stop the Bond – Hutchinson, believe that property taxes are already too high.
“I think it’s pretty simple. I think our property taxes are already high enough. I don’t think we need to raise them anymore,” Sawyer stated.
Allison Reed, the treasurer of the group, echoed similar sentiments, noting that many residents are feeling the financial strain.
“I’m feeling the pinch and listening to my neighbors and friends in 2024 were definitely feeling the pinch, and this is only going to increase it,” Reed said.
Stop the Bond – Hutchinson acknowledges the importance of investing in students but believes that constructing new buildings is not the solution to the district's challenges. Instead, they advocate for alternative approaches that could address the needs of the community without increasing the tax burden.
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