Fetsch Urges Yes Vote on School Bond for Community's Future
Mother of USD 418 students says educators and children deserve safe, updated facilities
Dear Editor,
The word “community,” according to Oxford, originates from the Latin words communitas (fellowship, shared relations) and communis (common, public, shared by many). It breaks down further into con- (“together”) and munis (“performing services”), highlighting a root meaning of people coming together to share duties or resources.
In March, we have an opportunity to truly be a COMMUNITY and share our resources by voting YES for a better future for our children, grandchildren, and educators.
I have seen McPherson overwhelmingly support our medical community by voting for taxes for our county hospitals and EMS services. Because of these shared resources we have a vibrant rural healthcare system. Our schools are just as vital to the overall health and well-being of our community.
Our children spend, on average, 1,300 hours a year at school with their educators. With an average of 391 breakfasts and 1,087 lunches served daily, many students eat more meals at school than with their families. Add in sports and other extracurricular activities, and it becomes clear how central schools are to our lives.
Educators are often the ones who teach our kids about their changing bodies, how to be leaders, and how to resolve conflict, in addition to reading, writing, and math. They are often the first to recognize learning difficulties, vision problems, and possibly neglect or abuse. They frequently use their own money to provide for their students.
Don’t these educators and their students deserve the safest and most secure buildings to continue this important work? Don’t they deserve spaces that are up to date, properly climate-controlled, and free from water coming in through the roof? In my opinion, they deserve nothing but the best that we can offer them.
The issues our buildings have are not new; they have been developing for many years. The current administrators were not in their positions when many of the infrastructure concerns started. They HAVE been part of finding a solution dating back to 2019, when Superintendent Mohn formed the first visioning committee, consisting of community members who were an important part of developing the bond. With each failure, they have listened and made the adjustments that the community has asked for.
In 2025, there were 10 bond issues on ballots in Kansas, so we are not in a unique situation. Many districts are facing the exact challenges our district is facing.
Our focus hasn’t changed. The needs have not changed. Continuing to talk about the past hurts each one of us. Moving forward benefits the whole community. Together, we share the responsibility of being part of the solution.
Say YES to our educators!
Say YES to our students!
Say YES to a better future! Vote YES (x2) on March 3!
Sincerely,Olivia Fetsch
Mother of a USD 418 graduate and McPherson High School Junior
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