The USD 308 Board of Education held its regular meeting on June 8, 2026.
Presentations
Hutchinson High School Principal Ryan Ewy presented the Trimester/Semester Committee Report. No action is expected on the subject until later this year. Any schedule changes would not be adopted until the 2027-2028 school year.
Abby Stockebrand, Director of Finance, presented a proposal to braid two funding streams into a single plan addressing priorities identified through the District's end-of-school-year bond survey. The plan includes approximately $36,000,000 of bond-funded projects along with $30,000,000 of projects funded through capital-outlay. Proposed projects would include storm shelters, roofs, safety and security, HVAC improvements, improvements to food service areas, restrooms, interior renovations, and playgrounds. Bond-funded projects would be completed after the passage of a bond, while capital outlay-funded projects would begin after appropriate funding levels have accrued. This dual-funding approach allows the District to address critical infrastructure needs identified by staff and the community, without placing the full financial burden on a single bond issue. No action was taken by the board at last night’s meeting. The board will continue to discuss potential bond options and facility updates at each meeting.
Consent Agenda
The Board approved the Superintendent's Consent Agenda, which included Accounts Payable for May 2026, the Treasurer's Report for April 2026, an Audit Engagement Letter, HutchCC Memoranda of Understanding, Grants, and Gifts to Schools.
Action Items
Workers' Compensation Renewal : The Board approved renewal of the District's workers' compensation coverage after a brief presentation from Allen Fee, CEO of Fee Insurance. During his remarks, Fee congratulated the district on keeping their insurance claims and premiums low.
Interfaith Housing MOU — Property Demolition: The Board heard a proposal from Interfaith Housing and unanimously approved a Memorandum of Understanding that includes demolition of a recently purchased property north of Allen STEM Magnet School.
Meal Pricing for 2026–2027: Jennifer Tatro, Director of Nutrition Services, presented a new meal pricing plan for the upcoming school year. The plan provides no charge breakfast to all K–12 students, increases student lunch prices by $0.20, and increases adult lunch prices by $0.25.
The District did not raise meal prices last year and, even with the 2026–2027 adjustment, remains below the average for peer districts. Tatro based her analysis on pricing data from Bonner Springs, Hays, Haysville, Garden City, and Wichita.
The new model also provides the option to expand breakfast service— buildings may offer traditional breakfast, grab-and-go, or a "second chance" breakfast served between first and second hours for students in grades 8–12. Other districts have seen a 40–50% increase in breakfast participation, which generates additional federal reimbursement and supports the financial sustainability of the program. Research links regular breakfast consumption to improved health outcomes, higher test scores, and fewer behavioral and health office referrals. The Board unanimously approved the new meal pricing.
Safe & Secure Schools Grant: The new middle school officer would rotate buildings annually alongside a school counselor and Assistant Principal, following the same student cohort from HMS7 to HMS8. The goal is to provide continuity for students who spend one year at each building.
Cell Phone Policy Update: The Board adopted revisions to cell phone policy JCDC in response to state legislation taking effect July 1, 2026. The updated policy defines the school day as beginning at the first bell and ending at the final bell.
Staff-to-Student Communication Policy: The Board adopted new policy IIBGC, which limits staff-to-student communications to District-approved applications only. This policy was also adopted in response to recently passed state legislation.
Executive Session
The Board convened in Executive Session to discuss potential items for 2026–2027 contract negotiations, pursuant to the employer-employee negotiations exception under KOMA, and to discuss personnel matters pursuant to the non-elected personnel exception under KOMA. Upon returning to open session, the Board approved the Personnel Report as published.
Next Meeting
The next regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting will be held on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at 1520 N. Plum, Hutchinson. The agenda will be posted in advance at www.usd308.com/boe.
Important Notice: HMS8 Building Closure
HMS8 will be closed June 8–11 from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily for an active shooter drill.
During this time, please expect a significant police and first responder presence in the area. This is a planned training exercise — there is no cause for alarm. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Aviso importante: Cierre del edificio HMS8
La escuela HMS8 permanecerá cerrada del 8 al 11 de junio, de 8:00 a 17:00 horas, debido a un simulacro de tirador activo.
Durante este tiempo, prevea una importante presencia policial y de servicios de emergencia en la zona. Se trata de un ejercicio de entrenamiento programado; no hay motivo de alarma. Gracias por su comprensión y cooperación.
Summer is no longer just around the corner… it's practically at our doorstep! 🌞 We are so incredibly proud of all that our students have accomplished this year, and we can't wait to celebrate them as we close out a fantastic school year together.
📣 Reminder: The last day of school is THIS Thursday, May 21st — and it's a HALF DAY for students! Let's finish strong! 💪
✅ Last Day of School — It's Almost Here!
🎓 Graduations & Ceremonies — Celebrate Our Salthawks!
☀️ Summer Activities
🚘 Driver's Education
🍽️ Free Kids Summer Meals
📋 26-27 Enrollment Dates
https://app.smore.com/n/05v2g3
🪴 Grow Something Beautiful & Support Local Students! 🪴
Support the next generation of agricultural leaders! The Hutchinson CTE Academy FFA chapter is holding their annual plant sale, and it's packed with beautiful options to get your garden ready for spring!
📅 Thursday, April 30th | 1:30–7:00 PM (or until sold out!) 📍 800 15th Circle, Hutchinson, KS 67501
🪴 Available while supplies last: ✅ 10" & 12" Hanging Baskets ✅ Small & Large Combination Planters ✅ 4.3" Pots — Lantana, Vinca, Dahlia, Succulents, Bidens, Marigolds & more!
Every purchase directly supports our HHS FFA students — helping fund extra travel expenses for state and national conventions, leadership conferences, and competitions. These programs provide experiences that go far beyond the classroom!
⏰ Supplies are LIMITED — arrive early for the best selection! 💵 Cash, check, and credit cards all accepted.
Snack Sticks and Blue & Gold Sausage will also be available in limited quantities!
Questions? Reach out to goossen.michelle@usd308.com
Come show these students some love — and go home with something gorgeous! 🌻
Hutchinson High School artists made their mark at Fort Hays State University on April 15, 2026, bringing home an impressive collection of awards from the 51st Annual High School Art Exhibition — also known as High School Art Day 2026.
HHS art teachers Hannah Lounsbury, Julian Stropes, and Julie Johnson lead the district's art program, and it was Lounsbury who made the trip to FHSU, accompanying students Bailey Street, Maylee Rose, Chloie Stoughton, Braelynn Crahan, Madison Svoboda, and Lea Ray. The group showcased work from a variety of HHS art classes, presenting pieces across multiple media including clay, pencil, chalk, and watercolor — and they did not disappoint, earning 3 ribbons and 17 certificates of recognition among them.
Leading the way was Elliana Terriquez, who claimed 1st Place, while Chloie Stoughton had a standout day of her own, earning both 2nd and 3rd Place ribbons.
Certificates of Recognition were awarded to:
- Naimah Ellis
- Emily Gable
- Shanessa Higgins
- Emma Leatherman
- Ruby Pena Hernandez
- Kyndal Richardson
- Maylee Rose
- Chloie Stoughton
- Kennidee Urban
Several students earned more than one award — a testament to the depth of talent coming out of HHS art classes this year.
If you see any of these students around, be sure to congratulate them on a job well done. They represented Hutchinson High School with excellence!
The last day of school is sneaking up on us! Our elementary students are wrapping up their state assessments, third trimester is chugging along, the last- day countdown is on, and this warmer weather is giving us life! 🎉
Mark your calendars: the last day of school is Thursday, May 21st — and it's a HALF DAY for students! 🏫➡️🏖️
Check the attached graphic for your child's specific dismissal time!
We are so proud of everything our students have accomplished this year. Here's to finishing strong and soaking up every last moment before summer break begins!
25-26 & 26-27 calendars can be found here: www.usd308.com/calendar
USD 308 is gathering community feedback following the November bond election. Your insights will help guide our next steps.
⏳ The survey only takes a few minutes!
🔗 www.usd308.com/survey
Thank you for helping us grow and improve. 💙
#USD308 #Salthawks #CommunityInput #BetterTogether
Now, we’re asking for your feedback. As we reflect on the bond election, your input will help us better understand our community’s perspectives.
📝 Take our quick survey: www.usd308.com/survey
Together, we’ll continue building a strong future for our students.
#USD308 #Salthawks #CommunityFirst #HutchinsonKS
Hutchinson, KS — USD 308 convened a special meeting of its Board of Education on Tuesday, March 31 to address a personnel report requiring timely action ahead of the district's next regularly scheduled board meeting.
The special session was called in response to a circumstance common among school districts across the state each spring: the overlapping nature of educator and staff transitions between districts. As teachers and district personnel move from one employer to another, the hiring timelines of different boards do not always align. In many cases, a receiving district must formally approve an incoming employee as a new hire before the departing district has had the opportunity to approve that same individual's resignation. This sequencing requires school boards to act promptly and, when necessary, outside of their regular meeting schedule.
USD 308 is not alone in this situation — many Kansas school districts find themselves calling special spring meetings for precisely this reason, as the hiring season accelerates and personnel decisions cannot always wait for the next regularly scheduled session.
The personnel report was the sole item on the agenda for the special meeting. Prior to the vote, the Board recessed into a brief executive session. Upon reconvening, the Board unanimously approved the personnel report. The report is available at www.usd308.com/boe
The next regular meeting of the USD 308 Board of Education is scheduled for Monday, April 14th at 6:00 p.m. at the USD 308 Administration Center, located at 1520 N. Plum, Hutchinson, KS.
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For more information, contact:
USD 308 Administration Center
info@usd308.com
1520 N. Plum | Hutchinson, KS
We’re reflecting on the recent bond election and want to better understand what matters most to our community.
✔️ What are your priorities?
✔️ What should we consider moving forward?
Take a few minutes to complete our survey today:
🔗 www.usd308.com/survey
The USD 308 Board of Education will hold a special meeting at 12:15 p.m., Monday, March 31, at the USD 308 Admin Center located at 1520 N Plum Street. This meeting will not be live-streamed. The agenda is available at www.usd308.com/boe
📣 We want to hear from YOU.
Following the November 2025 bond election, USD 308 is taking time to listen and learn from our community. Your feedback will help guide future decisions for our schools.
📝 Take our quick, 5-minute survey and share your thoughts.
🔗 www.usd308.com/survey
#USD308 #Salthawks #CommunityVoice #HutchinsonKS
The board took care of several routine items, including renewing contracts for 29 school leaders, approving annual software renewals, and greenlighting the Lil' Hawks Head Start grant for another year. They also approved the purchase of a small piece of land near Allen STEM Magnet to plan ahead for safety and parking. The board also approved a committee to consider trimesters vs semesters for grades 7-12.
Read the full recap: https://www.usd308.com/article/2784267
#USD308 #HutchinsonKS #HutchinsonPublicSchools #SchoolBoard
It's almost time, Hutch families! The Kindergarten Meet & Greet is coming up on Tuesday, April 21st from 6–7 PM at five of our elementary buildings — Faris, Graber, Lincoln-McCandless, Morgan, and Wiley!
Come tour the classrooms, meet your child's future teachers, ask all your questions, and enjoy light refreshments on us! 🍪
This is a wonderful first step for your soon-to-be kindergartner. We can't wait to welcome your family into the Hutch family! 💙💛
📅 April 21 | 🕕 6–7 PM | 📍 USD 308 Elementary Buildings: Faris, Graber, Lincoln-McCandless, Morgan, Wiley
Allen STEM Magnet will hold their Meet and Greet Thursday, April 23rd from 6 to 7pm.
Children who will be five years old on or before August 31, 2026 are eligible for kindergarten. If your child does not meet the birthday cutoff, we have a spot for them at Lil' Hawks in our Pre-K program! Visit www.usd308.com/prek for more information!
This milestone was made possible in partnership with Hutch in Harmony, a reflection of what's possible when our community comes together with purpose.
This is our values in action:
💙 Compassion — meeting families where they are
✅ Integrity — ensuring every family has equal access to the information they need
💡 Innovation — finding new ways to serve our community
Access the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar in English and Spanish at www.usd308.com/calendar — and don't forget, our website is available in four languages to make sure every family in our community feels at home.
#USD308 #HutchInHarmony #HutchKS #TogetherWeAchieve #Compassion #Integrity #Innovation
The USD 308 Board of Education will hold its regularly scheduled meeting at 6:00 p.m., Monday, March 6, at the USD 308 Admin Center located at 1520 N Plum Street. The agenda is available at www.usd308.com/boe
Recordatorio de la reunión del BOE
La Junta de Educación del USD 308 llevará a cabo su reunión programada regularmente a las 6:00 p. m., el lunes 6 de marzo, en el Centro de Administración del USD 308 ubicado en 1520 N Plum Street. La agenda está disponible en www.usd308.com/boe
☀️The 2026 SUN Bucks application is open! Learn more: SUNBucks.dcf.ks.gov.
SUN Bucks provides a one-time $120 benefit per eligible child to help families pay for groceries during the summer months.
Some children are automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks. Those families should receive a letter soon confirming their enrollment.
If you do not receive an enrollment letter in the next few weeks and believe your child may be eligible based on the guidelines, you will need to apply. Applications for summer 2026 must be received by 5 p.m. on Aug. 31, 2026.
SUN Bucks 2026 benefits should be distributed this summer. We’ll share updates about the distribution timeline as details become available.
Check out www.usd308.com/article/2740775 for a recap of last week's events and a glimpse at what's coming soon!
🏆 State medals in wrestling
🎤 Forensics bringing home hardware (and a new state qualifier!)
🏀 Substate basketball tipping off
🔧 SkillsUSA competitors headed to the State Fairgrounds
🎶 Middle school choir on the road
📚 Elementary Spelling Bee this Saturday
From mats to microphones to career competitions, our students are showing perseverance, integrity, innovation, and compassion every single day. Extracurriculars aren’t “extra” — they’re how we’re educating and empowering every Salthawk for life and preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s world.
Let’s go, Salthawks! 💙💛
📣 We’re Hiring at USD 308! Join Our Team! 🍎
🔗 Apply today at: www.usd308.com/hiring
USD 308 is looking for passionate, dedicated individuals to join our team for the 2026-2027 school year and make a difference in the lives of students every day. Whether you’re an experienced educator, a recent graduate, or someone looking to support students in a meaningful way, we have opportunities available across multiple departments.
✨ Now Hiring:
-High School: Agricultural Education Teacher, English Teacher, Instructional Coach, Math Teacher
-Middle School: Art Teacher, Math Teacher, Kitchen Assistant
-Elementary School: Classroom Teachers, Instructional Support, Special Education Teacher, Structured Learning Teacher
-Early Childhood: Pre-K Teacher, Teacher Assistant, Child Care Lead & Assistant Teacher, Cook, Family Support Worker, Early Childhood Site Manager
Administrative & Support Staff Including:
-Asst. Director of Curriculum
-Elementary Principal
-Paraeducators (Instructional & Specialized)
-Hearing Impaired Interpreter
-Educational Aide
-Substitute Teachers
-Custodial Staff
-Registered Nurse
-Social Worker
At USD 308, we are committed to:
✔ Supporting student success
✔ Providing competitive pay and benefits
✔ Offering professional development opportunities
✔ Creating a positive and collaborative work environment
If you’re ready to make an impact and be part of a team that truly cares about students and community, we’d love to hear from you!
🔗 Apply today at: www.usd308.com/hiring
📍 Hutchinson, Kansas
Educating and Empowering Every Salthawk For Life ❤️
#USD308 #NowHiring #EducationCareers #HutchinsonKS #JoinOurTeam
