Wellington USD 353 is providing important information to district taxpayers about the financial implications of the $22.6 million bond proposal, which will be on the ballot on November 4. The proposal, designed to fund critical maintenance and infrastructure improvements across the district, includes a significant state aid component that will help to minimize the impact on local property owners.

A key benefit of the bond is that state aid will cover approximately 25 percent of the total bond and interest costs, providing substantial savings for district taxpayers. The projected cost to taxpayers reflects these savings. The district has diligently used existing resources, including Capital Outlay funds and all available grants, to complete projects such as HVAC upgrades and window replacements. However, the scope of work outlined in the current proposal addresses needs that are immediate and cannot be completed without the additional funding a bond provides.

District officials emphasize that many of the planned projects are essential to protect the significant investments already made in school facilities. For example, roofing and window replacements are necessary to prevent water infiltration, which can lead to costly structural damage. Similarly, the resurfacing of parking lots is a proactive measure that avoids the significantly higher cost of a complete tear-off and reconstruction in the future.

Delaying these projects would result in a greater financial burden on the community due to the historical inflation rate for non-residential construction. According to several sources, this rate has averaged 4.2% over the past 30 years, outpacing general inflation.

Based on these conservative figures, each year of delay is projected to add approximately $1 million to the total cost of the projects.

The impact on owners of residential, commercial, and agricultural property is illustrated in the attached table.

The comprehensive scope of work to be funded by the bond includes:

Wellington High School:

• Installation of a TPO Roof

• New AC Chillers

• Asphalt re-sealing

Wellington Middle School:

• Remodeling of Old Ag Shop Classrooms;

• Installation of a TPO Roof;

• Replacement of the Window Curtain Wall on the East side of the Cafeteria;

• Upgrade of District Track Facilities;

• Paving of the Gravel Parking Lot;

• Replacement of Theater Seating.

Eisenhower and Kennedy:

• Replacement of HVAC Systems with Rooftop Units

• Installation of a TPO Roof

• Window replacements

• New Parking Lots

Lincoln and Washington:

• Installation of a TPO Roof

Sumner County Academy:

• Installation of a TPO Roof

• Window replacements

Other Facilities:

• Window replacements at the District Office;

• New Restrooms and Entrances at the High School Football Field;

• Replacement/resurfacing of the Tennis Court Parking Lot;

• Replacement of End-Of-Life Rooftop Units at various schools.

Voters in USD 353 Wellington are encouraged to learn more about the bond proposal and its potential impact on the community before the November 4 election.