The USD 308 Board of Education will hold its regularly scheduled meeting at 6:00 p.m., Monday, February 23, at the USD 308 Admin Center located at 1520 N Plum Street. The board will begin its meeting at 5:00 p.m. for a Lil’ Hawks Head Start & Cyber Security Training. The regular meeting will follow at 6:00 p.m.
The agenda is available at www.usd308.com/boe
Recordatorio de la reunión del BOE
La Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Unificado 308 celebrará su reunión ordinaria a las 18:00 h del lunes 23 de febrero en el Centro de Administración del Distrito Escolar Unificado 308, ubicado en 1520 N Plum Street. La junta comenzará su reunión a las 17:00 h para una capacitación de Lil' Hawks Head Start y Ciberseguridad. La reunión ordinaria se realizará a continuación a las 18:00 h.
La agenda está disponible en www.usd308.com/boe
From balancing varsity soccer, IB Health Sciences and leadership in HOSA, Giselle has demonstrated grit, determination and heart. Out of more than 700 applicants statewide, only 50 students were selected for this prestigious award. The scholarship covers tuition, room and board, books and more — opening doors as she pursues a nursing degree at Fort Hays State University. We are incredibly proud of Giselle and can’t wait to see the impact she will make in the health care field!
Read the full article here: www.usd308.com/article/2720245
Luke Berblinger Named New Head Salthawk Football Coach
HUTCHINSON, KS- Luke Berblinger, a Hutchinson native and Buhler High School graduate, has been named the new coach of Hutchinson High School Football.
Berblinger starred at Buhler High School, where he helped lead the Crusaders to a State Football Championship in 2013. At Emporia State University, Berblinger competed as a slotback from 2014–2017 while earning his bachelor’s degree in Health & Human Performance in 2018.
Following his playing career, Berblinger quickly transitioned into coaching, serving as a student assistant slotbacks and strength and conditioning coach at Emporia State from 2017–18, then as a graduate assistant in 2019.
Berblinger spent the last seven seasons on the coaching staff at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) under Head Coach Tom Matukewicz, holding a variety of roles including offensive quality control, video coordinator, running backs coach, tight ends coach, and special teams coordinator.
During that period, Southeast Missouri State football was part of a stretch of sustained success, highlighted by three Ohio Valley Conference championships (2019, 2022, 2024), a peak national ranking of No. 6 in October 2024, and the program’s receipt of the 2024–25 Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner’s Cup for overall athletic excellence.
Berblinger and his wife, Baylee—a Hutchinson High School graduate—have a daughter, Lucy, and are excited to raise their family in the community that helped shape who they are today.
Photo Credit: SEMO
For interviews and media inquiries:
Stacy Goss
USD 308 Director of Communications
info@usd308.com
620-665-4048
Our Salthawk staff are the heartbeat of Hutchinson Public Schools 💙 From keeping our schools running day to day to educating, supporting, and caring for students, they bring the skills, passion, and dedication that help us educate and empower every Salthawk for life.
✨ Nominations are now OPEN for:
• 2025–2026 Classified Employee of the Year
•2025–2026 Certified Employee of the Year
• Davis Foundation Educator of the Year
CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE SOMEONE TODAY!
Award criteria and nomination forms are available at the link above.
Thank you for helping us celebrate the incredible people who make USD 308 such a special place. We can’t wait to honor these outstanding staff members at our annual convocation in August 2026 🎉
The USD 308 Board of Education will hold its regularly scheduled meeting at 6:00 p.m., Monday, February 9, at the USD 308 Admin Center located at 1520 N Plum Street.
The agenda is available at www.usd308.com/boe
Myka Thompson - Butler Community College - Volleyball
Jeremyah Gaitho-Karanu - Lincoln University - Football
Jaden Durant - Seward County Community College - Softball
Stephanie Jenkins - Missouri Valley College - Dance Team
Kylan Mendoza - Sterling College - Football
Jenna Giles - Friends University - Cheer Team
Tramel Walker - Southern Nazarene University - Football
Follow the link for the full article and additional photos : www.usd308.com/article/2682336
Middle School basketball is cancelled. The USD 308 Board Meeting will be held at 6:00pm at the Administration Center.
An important message from our mass communication system: There are current cell phone carrier delays that may delay voice calls. This alert was sent to all parents/guardians in our system via phone call, text message and email.
Reminder: There will be no school for USD 308 on Monday, January 19.
The following week, there will be no school on Thursday, January 29, due to Parent/Teacher Conferences, and no school on Friday, January 30.
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Recordatorio: No habrá clases en el distrito escolar USD 308 el lunes 19 de enero.
La semana siguiente, no habrá clases el jueves 29 de enero debido a las reuniones de padres y maestros, ni tampoco el viernes 30 de enero.
HCTEA Shines at SkillsUSA District Tournament, Qualifies Nine Students for State Competition
HUTCHINSON, KS – Hutchinson Career & Technical Education Academy (HCTEA) hosted the SkillsUSA District Tournament on Thursday, November 20, welcoming students from Pratt and Ellinwood high schools. The event featured Leadership competitions including Job Interview, Job Demonstration A, and Job Demonstration Open.
SkillsUSA is a national organization that provides students in technical and career training programs, from middle school through postsecondary education, opportunities to develop leadership skills, compete in industry-related events, and connect with local employers.
HCTEA students dominated the district, qualifying nine out of ten positions for the State SkillsUSA Conference, which will be held March 2–3, 2026. Contestants represented HCTEA’s Welding, Auto Body and Collision, Auto Mechanics, and Machining programs. Judges represented the professional community from around Reno County.
District Results:
Job Interview – Postsecondary
1st Place: Chyanne Myers, HCTEA (Hutchinson Community College)
Job Interview – High School
1st Place: Weldon Stanley, HCTEA (Haven HS)
2nd Place: Blake Beamont, HCTEA (Hutchinson HS)
3rd Place: Brody Root, HCTEA (Hutchinson HS)
Job Demonstration A
1st Place: Jake Wolfe, HCTEA (Hutchinson HS)
2nd Place: Johanna Forssberg, (Pratt HS)
3rd Place: Harlie Terrell, HCTEA (Buhler HS)
Job Demonstration Open
1st Place: Hayden Von Ahnen, HCTEA (Hutchinson HS)
2nd Place: Jared Miller, HCTEA (Buhler HS)
3rd Place: Tanner Loughrie, HCTEA (Haven HS)
Glenna Burden, SkillsUSA Sponsor and HHS Government Teacher, said, “I couldn’t be prouder of our students for their outstanding performances at the SkillsUSA district competition. Their dedication and professionalism truly shined, and they represented our school with exceptional skill and character. Watching them grow into confident, capable leaders is the greatest reward of all.”
HCTEA is proud of the students’ accomplishments and looks forward to cheering them on at the State SkillsUSA Conference in March 2026. Their success reflects the dedication of both the students and instructors in preparing for these competitive leadership and technical events.
About HCTEA
Hutchinson Career & Technical Education Academy provides students with hands-on experience and career-focused training in fields such as Welding, Auto Body and Collision, Auto Mechanics, Machining, CAN/CMA Licensure and more. Programming is available to all Reno County high school students. HCTEA empowers students to develop leadership skills and technical expertise that prepare them for postsecondary education and the workforce.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 12, 2025
Media Contact:
Stacy Goss
Director of Communications
Hutchinson Public Schools USD 308
620-615-4048
communications@usd308.com
The USD 308 Board of Education will hold their regularly scheduled meeting at 6:00 p.m. Monday, November 10, at the USD 308 Admin Center located at 1520 N Plum Street.
The agenda is available at www.usd308.com/boe
Hutchinson Public Schools is one of only three school districts in Kansas to be
recognized by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) and the Kansas State
Board of Education for achieving a Silver Star for excellence in preparing students for
kindergarten. This honor highlights USD 308’s commitment to early childhood education
and its strong partnerships with families and the community.
The Kansas State Department of Education emphasizes that a child’s path to lifelong
success begins well before kindergarten. Early learning experiences and strong
community partnerships play a vital role in preparing children for school and life.
Through its Kansans Can Star Recognition program, KSDE honors districts and
communities that provide high-quality, inclusive early childhood opportunities for young
children and their families. The goal is to ensure every child enters kindergarten at age
five socially, emotionally, and academically ready to learn and succeed.
Hutchinson Public Schools also received recognition in two additional areas. One for
their outcomes in individual plans of study (Bronze Star), providing opportunities for
students to experience connected learning which develops academic knowledge and
technical and employability skills. The other in social-emotional growth (Copper Star).,
promoting character competencies for life-long learning and success in life.
The Star Recognition Program celebrates Kansas school districts and systems for their
outstanding achievements in key areas that reflect success across the state’s education
system. The program highlights excellence, using both quantitative and qualitative
measures to showcase districts’ accomplishments and areas of strength. Districts can
receive gold, silver, bronze or copper stars.
This week we’re celebrating National School Lunch Week 2025 — and it’s all about fun, flavor, and fueling learning! 🎉
Students can look forward to themed lunches, fresh favorites, and special surprises in the cafeteria all week long.
Let’s make healthy eating exciting!
#NSLW2025 #SchoolNutrition #EatSmart
National School Lunch Week 2025 is celebrated from October 13–17, 2025, with the theme "Taste the World: Your School Lunch Passport". The week-long celebration, organized by the School Nutrition Association (SNA), highlights the importance of healthy school meals through international-themed menus and activities.
Homecoming Early Release Reminder & Parade Parking Update
Parents & Guardians- Don't forget that all schools dismiss one hour early tomorrow, Friday, 9/26. Boys & Girls Club, Trinity Treasures, and Hadley DayCare will be picking up students for the early dismissal. Durham bus will also be busing students home as usual with the early release.
If you are planning to attend the Homecoming Parade and/or football game- The Cosmosphere parking lots will not be available for parking. Please use other parking lots as indicated on the accompanying map.
For more information please visit www.usd308.com/hoco
eBoard Notes 9-22-2025
HUTCHINSON- The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education held its regular meeting Monday, September 22 at 6:00 PM at the Administrative Center located at 1520 North Plum St.
Hutchinson Public Schools has announced its accreditation for the 2025-2026 school year. The Kansas State Department of Education recently shifted from a five-year accreditation cycle to an annual accreditation model for all schools.
September 22 served as the official student count day across Kansas. Dr. Dawn Johnson noted continuing demographic trends, including lower birth rates in Reno County that have resulted in smaller kindergarten classes. This pattern mirrors a statewide decline, as Kansas saw 5,200 fewer students enrolled last year.
In her superintendent’s remarks, Dr. Johnson highlighted the District’s Virtual School and its use of Acellus software. The program grew by 37 students this year. The District selected Acellus specifically for its academic rigor.
Dr. Johnson also extended an invitation to Board members to join this week’s Homecoming festivities. Friday, September 26th is a one-hour early release for all schools so that students, families and staff can attend the homecoming parade. The parade will be held at 11th and Plum again this year. The start of the parade will be at 14th and Plum, traveling south and turning east on 11th. The parade will travel on the north side of 11th Street and will end at Stringer Fine Arts Center. Football fans will enjoy a packed pregame show at 6:20 PM as the District will recognize outstanding staff including Kansas Teacher of the Year nominees, Horizon Nominee, Certified Employee of the Year, Classified Employee of the Year, and the Salthawk Service Award. The Wall of Honor will recognize Brett Ballard, Class of 1998; Glenna Burden, Class of 1991; and Dwight Hemmerling, Class of 1966. Homecoming King will be crowned during the pregame show. Kickoff is at 7:00 against Salina South.
The halftime show will feature the crowning of the Homecoming Queen, performances by the Salthawk Marching Band and HHS Dance Team, and a Punt/Pass/Kick sponsored by Allen Samuels. The full list of Homecoming Royalty and the schedule of events can be found at www.usd308.com/hoco
The Lil’ Hawks Preschool program presented its annual report for the 2024-2025 school year. Lil’ Hawks operates 15 pre-k classrooms across multiple sites with additional programs serving children and pregnant mothers. For more information visit www.usd308.com/earlychildhood
There was no public participation during the meeting.
The Board approved the superintendent’s consent agenda, which included:
· A memorandum of understanding with Dillon Nature Center.
· Renewal of the Apptegy software and website hosting contract.
· A grant request.
The Dillon Nature Center MOU provides for 45 programs or field trips during the 2025-2026 school year, as well as Arbor Day and Conservation Day programming in spring 2026.
The grant request included a single item: $305 for Lincoln-McCandless Elementary to create a reading corner through DonorsChoose. Emily Moore, Lincoln-McCandless Elementary Principal, said, “Thanks to the grant funding, our fourth graders are transforming their classroom into a vibrant, flexible learning space designed to spark a love for reading! From cozy rugs and soft pillows to comfy cushions and chair fidget bands, students will have inviting, flexible seating options that make reading fun while boosting focus and concentration.”
The personnel report was approved as presented. No executive session was held.
The full agenda is available at www.usd308.com/boe. The next Board of Education meeting will be held October 13 at 6:00 PM at the USD 308 Administration Center, 1520 N. Plum.
The elementary policy states: “All student cell phones and headphones/earbuds will be turned off and placed in backpacks upon entering the school and will remain put away until leaving school.
Accommodations: Students with documented medical or educational needs requiring phone access (e.g., medical monitoring, language interpretation apps) will be accommodated as documented in IEPs or 504 plans.
The policy was approved and incorporated into the 2025–2026 student handbooks for each grade band. You can find the specific policy details at www.usd308.com/handbooks
In-person enrollment is happening at each school building until 7:00 PM.
You only need to visit one building to complete enrollment for all children in your family.
Enroll online anytime at www.usd308.com/enroll
