10/15/2026
Dear Salthawk Community,
As our community prepares for the upcoming bond election, our goal is to provide you with clear, accurate information regarding the proposed facility improvements and how the district plans to manage your public investments.
Below is a brief breakdown of how the project budget is structured and the protections in place for our local taxpayers.
When planning major renovations across multiple school buildings, our community wants to know two things:
How are the tax dollars being managed?
And how do we protect our investment?
Of the $36 million bond, about 85% ($30.7 million) is dedicated to hard construction costs. This pays for the actual physical improvements, like storm shelters, new roofs, updated heating and cooling systems, and safer buildings. The remaining balance covers professional fees, planning, and equipment.
A key protection for taxpayers is how the construction will be managed. The district is using a method called Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR). Under CMAR, once the design is finished, the builder must commit to a guaranteed maximum price before major construction begins.
This method provides two protections under Kansas law:
• Cost overrun protection: The construction manager is responsible for costs above the guaranteed maximum price, except for costs resulting from changes to the project plans.
• Savings stay with the district: If the project is completed under the guaranteed price, all savings are returned to the school district.
This approach is designed to help keep construction costs within budget.
We believe that transparency is essential throughout this planning process. Our commitment is to ensure that every resident has the facts needed to make an informed decision at the ballot box.
For more details on the individual building and project scopes, please visit our district bond information page at www.usd308.com/bond.
Hutchinson Public Schools
