SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
When Scott City Elementary School’s enrollment rose from 350 to over 470 students in only a few years, there were not enough classrooms to hire more teachers. This led to an uncomfortably high student-faculty ratio and an already-limited supply of resources split between students. Often the school cafeteria would spill into the hallways to make room for the students during lunch. USD 466 reached out to Hutton for more than just our construction services. Hutton helped Scott County Schools strategize their bond campaign, leading to a major bond win for this Western Kansas district’s high, middle and elementary schools.
SERVICES
- Construction management at-risk
- Pre-bond services
- Cost estimating
- Self-perform
DETAILS
With the help of Hutton’s communication strategy and content creation for videos and other materials, the Scott County School District passed their $25 million bond, which covered comprehensive athletic and academic upgrades.
DID YOU KNOW?
This bond project is the first in which Hutton has played a significant role in developing the marketing strategies. Since then, Hutton has collaborated with the communications teams for numerous districts to support their bond campaigns.
SAFE, SECURE STUDENTS
The bond issue covered upgrades to the high school and elementary school, as well as major changes to the middle school and sports complex. Safety concerns about the high school's entrance were addressed with a new safety vestibule, designed to blend in with the existing concept. In the elementary school, a security entrance addition was also built, along with a newer, safer storm shelter for students.
ATHLETICS AND ACADEMICS TEAM-UP
The sports complex work included a 1,500-seat grandstand, press box, ticket booth, concession stand and ADA restrooms. The bulk of the budget was dedicated to the middle school, which received a new classroom wing, an 1,800-seat top-loaded competition gymnasium and a flexible commons area.
MAKING THE BOND WORK
Before Scott County, Hutton’s involvement in district’s bond campaigns had not been as comprehensive because most districts hired CMs after the bond passed. Now, many districts hire Hutton before the bond campaign, so we provide communications support of all kinds. After helping develop a strategy for USD 466, then carrying that strategy out through printed materials and video, Scott County passed the bond vote by a slim margin—745-710.
