WELLINGTON, KS - Unified School District No. 353 (Wellington) is inviting all community members to a series of meetings to discuss the upcoming $22.6 million general obligation bond issue that will be on the ballot on November 4, 2025. The proposed bond is designed to fund critical infrastructure improvements across all district schools and facilities.
The bond, if approved, would address aging infrastructure, improve learning environments, and increase energy efficiency. Key projects include remodeling the old ag shop at the middle school to enhance ag and other career and technical education programming. Other projects include vital roof and HVAC system replacements and other upgrades around the district.
Superintendent Hatfield will host the community meetings, and the same presentation will be the basis of each event. Additional details will be provided regarding the work to be completed at the school hosting the meeting, and a Q&A session will be held at each event. Patrons are welcome to attend as many meetings as they wish.
The proposed general obligation bonds will be repaid over a period of time using local property tax revenues and state aid. The district currently qualifies for state aid of 25 percent for the repayment of any new bonds. More exact financial impacts will be available after September 8.
Community Meeting Schedule:
All meetings will begin at 6:00 PM on the following dates and locations:
--September 10: Washington Elementary School, 1100 North Washington Avenue
--September 17: Kennedy Elementary School, 501 North Woodlawn Street
--September 24: Lincoln Elementary School, 104 South F Street
--October 1: Eisenhower Elementary School, 924 North Plum Street
--October 8: Wellington Middle School, 605 North A Street
--October 15: Wellington High School, 1700 East 16th Street