I have made many significant choices in my lifetime. Asking my wife to marry me, having children, going to college, enlisting in the military, taking a particular job, and living in a certain town are all examples. Any decision process should include gathering and analyzing information… weighing the pros and cons.

On Nov 7, voters of USD 308 will have a decision to make concerning the future of our children. We will be asked to vote on a bond referendum. I have reviewed the plan our elected school board officials created with the help of the DLR group, and I encourage each voter to do the same. I have found that the board listened to the community and put into the bond what students really need and not a bunch of fluff. I applaud the efforts of our leaders and whole-heartedly support this effort!

The bond includes plans to build up-to-date media centers in the elementary schools, create drop-off zones for improved safety before and after school, and add space for special education services. There will be modest classroom enhancements to the middle schools, and some pretty hearty renovations to the high school, including space to expand vocational offerings and structural changes to improve campus security. We will see significant, long-lasting building improvements as a result of this 78.8 million dollar price tag.

One of the choices that my wife and I made was to move to Hutchinson to raise our children. Employment opportunities, quality schools, affordable housing, and active places to worship and grow in faith were all things we looked for during our decision making process. Hutchinson schools are in the process of falling behind, and this bond will allow our community to address this concern. So, please, educate yourselves on this issue. I feel most all of you will come to the same conclusion that I have….We will receive lasting value from our dollars by passing the bond. Please vote YES, so that the people and businesses that consider locating in Hutchinson in the future can include quality schools in their “pro’s” column.
- Chuck Blake