Bond Issue Information
Proposed Bond Facility Improvements
- Install Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) Roof
- New Air AC Chillers
- Re-Seal Parking Lot Asphalt
- Remodel Old Ag Shop Classrooms
- Install TPO Roof
- Replace Window Curtain Wall on East Side of Cafeteria
- Upgrade District Track Facilities
- Pave Gravel Parking Lot
- Replace Theater Seating
- Replace HVAC System with Rooftop Units
- Install TPO Roof
- Replace WIndows
- New Parking Lot
- Install TPO Roof
- Install TPO Roof
- Replace WIndows
- Replace Windows at District Office
- New ADA Restrooms & Entrances at High School Football Field
- Tennis Court Parking Lot
- Replace End-Of-Life Rooftop Units at Various Schools
Press Releases
- USD 353 Bond to Directly Expand Educational Opportunities for Students [September 30, 2025]
- USD 353 Wellington Projects the Financial Impacts of $22.6 Million Bond Proposal [September 24, 2025]
- USD 353 Announces $22.6 Million Bond Election for Critical School Facility Projects [September 24, 2025]
- Wellington USD 353 to Host Community Meetings on $22.6 Million Bond Election [August 21, 2025]
- Wellington USD 353 Seeks Voter Approval for $22.6 Million Bond to Update Facilities and Enhance Student Learning [August 5, 2025]
Upcoming Q & A Public Forums
September 10 - 6:00 PM - Washington Elementary School
September 17 - 6:00 PM - Kennedy Elementary School
September 24 - 6:00 PM - Lincoln Elementary School
October 1- 6:00 PM - Eisenhower Elementary School
October 8, 6:00 PM - Wellington Middle School
October 15 - 6:00 PM - Wellington High School
Note: The same presentation will be made at each location. Additional details will likely be provided regarding the work to be completed at each school hosting the event. Q&A from the audience will also influence information provided. Patrons are welcome to attend as many meetings as they wish.
Voter Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will a yes vote shut down the Washington Elementary school?
A: The Bond issue is not connected to any decision regarding closing or repurposing a school. That topic has been discussed at the board table, but the two are not connected.
Q: Is it true that the $22.6 million is a guess and might change later?
A: The total is based on specific cost estimates for each project plus architect fees and a 5% contingency for unforeseen expenses, bringing the total to $22,600,000. This cannot be modified at a later date.
Q: Why did we not budget for this? It's all basic maintenance.
A: Although the district receives Capital Outlay dollars to help maintain its facilities, those dollars do not add up to the total repair/maintenance needed over time. That is the reason that school districts run bond issues periodically to make sure large, expensive projects can be completed and facilities can be maintained.
Q: Why didn’t the school go with the most cost-effective quotes for repairs?
A: All bond work will be awarded by sealed bid, which will determine the actual price paid. However, the estimates used to determine the bond amount are based on similar projects completed recently in Kansas with allowances for inflation based on when the actual work is expected to be completed. Contingency reserves of 5% have also been built into the budget for unforeseen circumstances.
Q: Why are we spending money on this and not on students' actual education?
A: The district has several types of funds. Operating funds such as the General Fund and Local Option Budget are used for teacher salaries, textbooks, and instructional supplies. The district has a small amount of funds called Capital Outlay to perform building maintenance and construction. This amount is not sufficient for major system and roof replacements, which is why districts run bond elections.
Q: Is it true that the bond money can be used for anything the district wants?
A: Bond funds can only be used towards projects outlined in the ballot question. This includes new roofs, HVAC replacements, parking lot upgrades, window replacements, and facility renovations across multiple schools. They cannot legally be used for salaries, sports equipment, or unrelated programs.
Q: Why are we using roofing material that is fancy, expensive, and unnecessary?
A: We understand the concern about cost. The TPO roofing system was selected because it provides the best long-term value for the district. While it may seem more expensive upfront, this type of roof is energy-efficient, durable, and requires less maintenance, which ultimately saves taxpayer dollars over time. It is also backed by a strong warranty and designed to withstand the weather conditions in our area, which helps protect the community’s investment in these school buildings for many years to come.
Q: Why is this bond being used mainly for new sports stadiums and sports projects, which will take money away from academic facility needs?
A: No new stadiums are being built. The sports-related work is limited to upgrades like new restrooms at the high school football field and the district track field for ADA compliance and capacity needs. Over 90% of the bond funds go toward academic and infrastructure improvements such as roofs, HVAC systems, classroom renovations, and parking lot upgrades. Sports facility updates are a small portion of the budget.
Q: Why are the chillers at the high school being replaced when the kids are complaining of freezing classrooms?
A: While the chillers are still running, they are old and no longer operate efficiently or consistently. Some areas may feel overly cold while others are still too warm, which is a sign the system is failing to regulate temperatures properly. The bond would allow the district to replace these outdated systems with modern, efficient equipment that provides reliable comfort for all classrooms and reduces ongoing repair and energy costs.
Q: Couldn’t we pay for all of this out of Capital Outlay by replacing one roof a year?
A: Capital Outlay dollars are limited and already stretched across many needs beyond just roofing—such as technology, transportation, and other building maintenance. If the district were to replace only one roof per year, it would take decades to complete all the necessary replacements, leaving many schools with failing roofs and escalating repair costs in the meantime. By addressing multiple roofs through a bond, the district can ensure students and staff have safe, dry, and efficient learning environments now, while also avoiding the higher costs that come with delaying needed repairs.