As we approach the November election, our community will have the opportunity to vote on an important question regarding the future of our schools. This bond referendum is not just about facilities—it’s about investing in the well-being, safety, and success of our students.

Since the bond referendum did not pass in 2023, the Board and I have spent time listening to the community. We’ve held listening sessions, conducted a community-wide survey, and worked hard to understand what projects the community could support. The result is a proposal that addresses the most critical needs in our district, while being mindful of the cost.

The reality is that our schools need some updating. This referendum addresses issues that directly impact our students’ daily lives—classroom comfort through improved HVAC systems, asbestos removal for safer learning environments, and much-needed updates to classrooms, especially in science and technical education. Additionally, a new special education classroom is planned to meet the growing needs of some of our most vulnerable students, ensuring that every child in our district has access to the resources and support they need to succeed.

We know that many important political decisions will be on the ballot this November. However, I encourage everyone to consider this school referendum based on the needs of our students and our schools. This decision is about what happens here in our community, in our classrooms, and for our students.

We are a small, rural district where strong schools are the backbone of our future. For families, farmers, and community members alike, the strength of our schools affects us all. The improvements in this proposal focus on creating safe, modern learning environments that will benefit our students today and for years to come.

I encourage everyone to learn more about the facts of the referendum, ask questions, and make an informed decision on Election Day. You can find more details about the referendum on our district website or attend one of our open houses on Tuesday, October 15, or Thursday, October 24, from 6-8 PM at the High School/Middle School. These open houses will give you an opportunity to learn more and ask any questions you may have.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this important decision. Your involvement is key to shaping the future of our schools.

Last month, I distributed a form for individuals to subscribe to our newsletters. We also encourage you to subscribe to important school updates, such as early dismissals or closures due to weather. If you are a parent, you are already included in the system and do not need to sign up. This is specifically for community members not already in our system but who want to receive our communications via text, email, or voice calls.

https://forms.gle/eApHT9X5f2LqYKDy6

At Hinton, the safety of your children and our staff is our top priority. We adhere to the "I Love You Guys" Foundation's standard response protocols (SRPs) for our emergency responses. Below, you can see the different protocols we may follow during the emergency.

According to Iowa law, we conduct four fire drills (two each semester), four tornado drills (two each semester), and one intruder exercise. We want to make sure that you are aware of what to expect for your children at school in case of emergencies. While we make every effort to follow the protocols as closely as possible, there may be limitations due to our building situation. For instance, during a storm or tornado, many students will be in the restrooms, and since not all of them have doors, we are unable to seal them as the protocol requires.

Please refer to the second page for information on when parents should come to the school and when the school will contact them regarding the situation.

Each district newsletter will feature one of the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. We will include information on the habit and some activities parents can do with their children. The activities are pretty general, but they help provide the basic information and offer families the opportunity to reinforce the habits. We are all in this together.

To Begin With the End in Mind means to start every endeavor with clearly defined outcomes. It also means to determine our own life's purpose. It ensures that as we climb the ladder of success, it's leaning against the right wall.