USD 388
ELLIS — The USD 388 Bond Exploration Committee held its first meeting on Feb. 19 at Ellis High School. At its February board meeting, the USD 388 School Board voted to form the committee to further research a district bond to support necessary infrastructure improvements.
The committee includes school board members, USD 388 employees and community members. Board representatives are Jared Schiel, Cindy Hertel and Randy Honas; employee representatives are Superintendent Corey Burton, Donna Schmidt, John Befort, Randy Herman, Steve Erbert and Dave Wildeman; and community representatives are Mike Keller, Doug Shaw and Toni Younger.
Keller, a former USD 388 board member and the committee chair, first reviewed the history of past USD 388 bonds, including the project lists from the 2013 and 2014 USD 388 school bonds. The committee also reviewed the results from the April 2013 USD 388 school bond survey conducted by the FHSU Docking Institute.
“I made a decision not to run again for a board position because I want to focus my time on a responsible bond,” Keller said. “Having a school system that can meet the changing needs of current students, as well as poise our schools for the future, is essential not only to the school system but also to the vitality of the entire community.”
The most recent survey was conducted by the FHSU Docking Institute in the last quarter of 2019 to provide data to assist the district in proposing a bond to meet the needs of USD 388. The survey, which concluded on Nov. 25, was mailed to all registered voters in the district. The survey indicated highest priorities of respondents are to repair rooftops and replace the HVAC system, plumbing and fixtures at Washington Elementary School.
“The Ellis community should be proud of its history and continued support for education,” Burton said. “Just like in our homes and businesses, however, there comes a time when it makes financial sense to invest money in long-term improvements versus spending money on short-term fixes. I’m confident that with careful analysis and community input, a bond the community can support will be developed.”
The committee reviewed all projects listed on the 2019 survey and heard from USD 388 employees about the most pressing concerns regarding district infrastructure. The size of bond and the timeline for running a bond to best meet the educational needs of students were also discussed.
Prior to the next meeting, committee members will schedule Midwest Energy to complete an energy audit on both school buildings, along with contacting architects and vendors to explore options.
Those with concerns or questions are encouraged to contact Corey Burton by phone at 785-726-4281 or email at [email protected]. Mike Keller can also be contacted at [email protected].