Hutchinson USD 308 voters rejected a $36 million school bond proposal Tuesday by 130 votes, according to unofficial results from the Reno County Clerk’s Office.
With all 35 precincts reporting on the bond question, 4,769 voters, or 50.7%, opposed the measure. Another 4,639 voters, or 49.3%, supported it.
The proposal led by 234 votes in the first unofficial returns. It fell behind by 130 votes with 32 precincts reporting, and that margin held as the remaining three precincts reported.
The proposed 12-year bond would have paid for improvements at district schools, including heating and cooling upgrades, roof replacements, safety and security improvements, storm shelters, restroom renovations and playground improvements.
District officials had said the proposal could be financed without increasing the district’s current bond-related property tax levy.