Takeaways from Hays USD 489 school board meeting
Week of January 23, 2026
Bond finance update reveals strong sales tax revenue
Superintendent Wilson warns of legislative impact on district revenue
Nabholz Construction returns $101,000 in unused bond funds
Board tables Glassman Corp. HVAC maintenance agreement amid cost concerns
District to sell 29th St. land via sealed bid process
Board approves new support position for Felten Elementary
Report shows increased student engagement following Hays High cell phone ban
Bond finance update reveals strong sales tax revenue
HAYS, Kan. — Sales tax revenues pledged to bond repayment are tracking higher than projected, prompting Piper Sandler representative Dustin Avey to report that the district may eventually have the flexibility to lower the mill levy or prepay bonds. Avey informed the board that while models conservatively estimated $3.8 million in annual revenue, the district is on track to exceed $4 million for fiscal year 2025, potentially allowing for early refinancing of bonds that become eligible in September 2031.
Superintendent Wilson warns of legislative impact on district revenue
HAYS, Kan. — Superintendent Ron Wilson warned the board that potential state legislation capping property valuation increases and expanding tax exemptions could significantly reduce the district's ability to fund bond repayments and capital outlays. Wilson noted that a proposed cap on valuation growth, alongside a potential increase in the residential property tax exemption to $75,000, might force the district to rely more heavily on mill levies to maintain operations if sales tax measures are not renewed.
Nabholz Construction returns $101,000 in unused bond funds
HAYS, Kan. — The board accepted a change order from Nabholz Construction to return $101,708 in unallocated contingency funds from the Hays Middle School project, representing approximately 50 percent of the original contingency held for the work. A representative for the firm stated the returned funds will be redirected to the bond project fund to support upcoming renovations at Felten Elementary School and other district needs.
Board tables Glassman Corp. HVAC maintenance agreement amid cost concerns
HAYS, Kan. — Following a debate over costs and warranty coverage, the board voted 4-2 to table a $67,000 annual preventive maintenance agreement with Glassman Corp. for HVAC systems until Feb. 9. A board member argued that paying an outside firm $115 per hour for routine tasks was fiscally irresponsible and questioned why the district would pay for maintenance on equipment potentially still under warranty, prompting the board to request a detailed service breakdown.
District to sell 29th St. land via sealed bid process
HAYS, Kan. — The district will utilize a sealed bid process to sell a parcel of land at 201 W. 29th St., requiring potential buyers to submit a purchase price, intended use statement, and development timeline. Although some board members expressed interest in listing the property on the Multiple Listing Service to increase exposure, the administration proceeded with the sealed bid format, with bids scheduled to be opened by the superintendent in March.
Board approves new support position for Felten Elementary
HAYS, Kan. — To address growing enrollment and behavioral needs, the board voted 6-1 to establish a student support specialist position at Felten Elementary School for the 2026-27 school year. While some members debated whether a certified assistant principal would better handle discipline and classroom coverage, administration officials clarified that the decision to hire a support specialist was primarily driven by budget constraints, though the role may be re-evaluated as the school expands.
Report shows increased student engagement following Hays High cell phone ban
HAYS, Kan. — Hays High School Principal Shawn Henderson presented survey data indicating that 93 percent of teachers observed increased student-to-student interactions and 89 percent noted higher participation following the implementation of a cell phone ban. Despite recording 431 violations involving 300 students during the first semester, Henderson told the board the policy has successfully lowered the "social temperature" of the school environment.
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