Nov. 3, 2026, may be one of the most important days of this year. Things could affect Hutchinson (and Kansas) in ways that those special holidays don’t. Yes, Election Day. Yet many Americans, for various reasons, don’t vote. Maybe they don’t feel informed; maybe they didn’t register; maybe they don’t feel that they can make a difference. I have encountered all of those this week.
To address only one of these issues, my husband and I attended an informational meeting regarding the USD 308 school bond issue. It was held at HMS 7. Other than board members and staff there were fewer than six people there. We were not preached to or fed endless numbers. There were posters and charts detailing the plans for the $36 million requested in the bond. Staff was available to explain and answer questions.
For those that don’t vote because of not being “informed,” where were you? Maybe your kids are grown,they attend private school, or you don’t have kids. Maybe Hutchinson schools don’t concern you. But they should. Kids attending our schools today will be designing our roads and businesses tomorrow. They will be serving us in stores and taking our blood pressure in clinics. They will be instructing our grandchildren and governing our communities. We will all be affected by those coming through Hutchinson Public Schools.
I did not support last year’s bond proposal. I did not support spending $110 million, building a new building, and raising taxes, while enrollments are decreasing. This bond addresses each building and the needs for safety and maintenance. Some will get new roofs, others, safe rooms, and some renovated bathrooms. The price tag is $36 million and no tax increase. This I can support.
The term for this bond is 12 years, and it would be reasonable to think that in 12 years, we will be back here again, maybe looking at new buildings. In that time, hopefully, we have been good stewards of our existing buildings.
I plan to vote for this bond proposal. Get informed and vote the way you feel best, but vote.
– Mary Kay Dechant, Hutchinson