5 takeaways from Hays USD 489 school board meeting

Heated Debate Erupts Over Corporate Naming Rights for Football Field

Despite a failed vote to add it to the agenda, the board engaged in a substantial debate regarding an offer from Golden Belt Bank to name the new high school football field. A board member explained the item was intentionally removed from the agenda and rescheduled for an October 27th work session to allow the district to create a proactive strategy for naming rights rather than reacting to a single offer. This approach would involve deciding what assets can be named, constructing contract terms, and allowing all local businesses an opportunity to participate. Other members argued for expediency, noting that by late October the football season would be nearly over and that the public has a right to know a significant offer has been made.

Board Reviews Bond Project Financials, Exceeding $165 Million

The board reviewed the financial status of the voter-approved bond projects, with a board member questioning the details of the project tracking report. It was clarified that while voters approved a $143.5 million bond, the total proceeds available for the project are nearly $149.8 million due to a “bond premium” generated when the bonds were sold. When combined with realized gains and interest estimates, the total funds available for the projects now approach $165 million. The report also showed a negative arbitrage estimate of approximately $1.5 million, which is interest earnings that must be returned to the federal government. The discussion confirmed that sales tax and property tax revenue are kept in a separate fund used exclusively for repaying the original $143.5 million loan.

Board Member Seeks Assurance on New High School’s Final Approval

With the new Hays High School now open for staff and students, a board member pressed the administration for documentation confirming the building’s final completion and safety approvals. The member requested copies of final “punch lists” and official letters from all architects, engineers, and the city, signifying that every aspect of the project meets specifications. The administration confirmed that walkthroughs have been done and that the project manager with Nabholz Construction is handling the completion process, assuring the board that all necessary fire marshal and code inspections have been passed.  The exchange underscored the board’s oversight role in ensuring the taxpayer-funded facility is finalized correctly.

Questions Arise Over Sale of Surplus District Vehicles

A board member raised significant questions regarding the district’s sale of surplus property, specifically five pickup trucks and snowplows listed on the auction site Purple Wave. The debate centered on whether a previous board approval to liquidate the district’s vehicle fleet through a partnership with Enterprise Fleet Management was sufficient, or if state law required the board to approve the sale of these specific items since they were being sold through a different channel. While the administration contended the original fleet management plan covered the disposal of all vehicles , the board member argued that any property owned by the school district must be specifically approved for sale by the board. The items are set to be sold, but the discussion highlighted a focus on ensuring proper procedure in the future.

School District to Publish Budget in Two Counties

During the financial report, the district announced a change in its budget publication process for the upcoming year. Following a recommendation from the state, USD 489 will publish its budget in both The Hays Daily News and The Rush County News. This change is because the school district’s territory includes a small portion of Rush County. The board was informed that the revenue neutral rate hearing and the budget adoption hearing are scheduled for the September meeting.

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