Reminder: The USD 308 Board of Education has delayed the start time for Monday's meeting to accommodate parents and staff who plan to attend the elementary and middle school open houses.
The USD 308 Board of Education will hold its regularly scheduled meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, August 10th at the USD 308 Admin Center located at 1520 N Plum Street. The agenda is available at www.usd308.com/boe


Just select your child's grade (or reduced lunch price status) and the month you'd like to prepay for—our calculator tells you exactly how much to load onto their eFunds account.
Try it now at www.usd308.com/nutrition.


This is a great opportunity to:
• Meet your child's teacher and school staff
• Visit the classroom
• Pick up your student's schedule
Middle school families can also:
• Practice opening lockers
• Walk through class schedules before the first day of school
We can't wait to welcome our Salthawks back for another great school year! Please note: Hutchinson High School and Midtown will not be hosting open houses at this time.
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¡Marque su calendario para las Jornadas de Puertas Abiertas!
Lunes 10 de agosto, de 4:30 a 6:00 p. m., en todas las escuelas primarias y secundarias (middle schools).
Esta es una excelente oportunidad para:
• Conocer al maestro(a) de su hijo(a) y al personal de la escuela
• Visitar el salón de clases
• Recoger el horario de su estudiante
Las familias de las escuelas secundarias (middle schools) también podrán:
• Practicar cómo abrir los casilleros (lockers)
• Recorrer el horario de clases antes del primer día de clases
¡Estamos ansiosos por darles la bienvenida nuevamente a nuestros Salthawks para otro gran año escolar!
Tenga en cuenta: Hutchinson High School y Midtown no tendrán Jornadas de Puertas Abiertas en este momento.
#SalthawkStrong #BackToSchool #USD308

The first day of school is filled with excitement, fresh starts, and new opportunities. But we also know that for many students—and parents—that excitement can come with a few butterflies, too. That's completely normal.
At Hutchinson Public Schools, we care deeply about every student. We want each child to walk through our doors feeling confident, prepared, and ready to learn. A few simple routines before school starts can make a big difference in helping students feel calm and ready for a successful first day.
As we count down to the first bell, we've put together a few easy ways to help your family prepare. Here's to a great start, a great year, and making every Salthawk feel like they belong! 💙💛
#BackToSchool #SalthawkStrong #EverySalthawkBelongs #USD308
However your child rolls up to school — on foot🚶, by bike 🚲, scooter 🛴, skateboard 🛹, car 🚗, bus 🚌, or unicorn 🦄 — one thing is guaranteed: a hot, free breakfast will be waiting for them at every building until that first bell rings! 🔔
Check the chart for your school's breakfast start time!
While our summer meal service has ended, families can pick up lunches via drive-thru on the West side of the Reno County Food Bank building at 921 E. 4th, Monday through Friday, from 12:00 to 1:00 pm. Service ends on August 12th.
Thank you to the Reno County Food Bank for filling the gap while our kitchens are being cleaned, prepped and outfitted with new equipment for the upcoming school year.
Huge thanks to Pizza Ranch for their partnership and support.

We look forward to seeing everyone back for the new school year! Have a great rest of your summer! ☀️

The agenda is available at www.usd308.com/boe


Need help enrolling your student for the 2026-27 school year? Join us Thursday, July 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for our districtwide In-Person Enrollment Event!
✅ Visit any Hutchinson Public Schools building to complete enrollment.
✅ You only need to visit one school to enroll all students in your family.
🏫 Hutchinson High School will also be open for self-guided campus tours during the event.
🏫 Midtown is closed during this event. Midtown staff will be at HHS.
Whether you're enrolling a new student or returning for another great year, our staff will be ready to help make the process quick and easy.
We can't wait to welcome our Salthawks back for another amazing school year! 💙💛
Enroll online anytime at www.usd308.com/enroll
#HutchPublicSchools #SalthawkPride #BackToSchool #USD308 #EverySalthawkForLife

Everything you need to get ready for an amazing year is packed into our brand-new Enrollment Newsletter. Click here to read it now: https://app.smore.com/n/1w3m2
Here's what you'll find inside:
🍎 Welcome Letter — A special message to kick off the new year
📝 Enrollment Link & Information — Secure your student's spot today
🍽️ District Meals Information — Everything you need to know about breakfast and lunch
📅 Start Dates — Mark your calendars!
✏️ School Supply Lists — Get a head start on back-to-school shopping
Don't wait — enrollment is open NOW! Click the link, complete your enrollment, and let's make 2026-2027 the best school year yet.
We can't wait to see your students this fall!

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


