Wellington school district explains needs ahead of $22M bond vote

WELLINGTON, Kan. (KWCH) - Voters in Wellington will soon decide on an approximately $22 million bond issue, money the district says is needed to address infrastructure needs throughout USD 353.

The Wellington school district said its middle school needs the most help.

“It’s going to help with some repairs with our main areas, our cafeteria walls. Our little theater is in much need of repair with seating, extensive leaks,” said Wellington Middle School Principal Bob Meyer.

Bond failure would limit district improvements

If the bond doesn’t pass, the district said it won’t be able to make many improvements, including new roofing for every district building that’d be good for 30 years.

“We would be confined to only being able to do small projects along the way; maybe a big project every once in a while, but it would not be the amount we are asking for that we need to be able to do lots of projects to keep things up and running,” Wellington Schools Superintendent Adam Hatfield explained.

Students rally for bond support

Last week, students from Wellington High School gathered in support of the bond that is up for a vote on Nov. 4.

One important issue the students brought up is the temperature.

“Our school is very cold, and in the winter, we’re gonna need to get our heat upgraded. We won’t be going to school in the winter most likely, unless we get it fixed,” said Georgia Shinliver, a sophomore at Wellington High School.

Voters express property tax concerns

Speaking with voters, some are voicing opposition to the bond issue because of the impact it could have on property taxes.

While the Wellington school district said it understands property-tax-related concerns, without the bond, the conditions of schools that already need improvements will only worsen over time. The district called the situation surrounding the bond issue and property taxes a “necessary evil.”

“It’s something that we have to do. We have to look at that and the money has to come from somewhere,” Hatfield said.