Hutchinson Public Schools Kicks Off 2025-2026 School Year with High-Energy Convocation
August 12, 2025
HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The energy was unmistakable as Hutchinson Public Schools staff gathered for the 2025 convocation, gathered on August 6th. This year’s event brought extra “pomp and circumstance,” welcoming educators and staff back in true Salthawk spirit.
Cheerleaders, the pep band, and a brightly decorated activity bus greeted staff as they arrived, setting the tone for a morning of connection, celebration, and inspiration. Doors opened at 7:30 a.m., with a light breakfast served before the program began at 8:00 a.m. The program highlighted the district’s achievements, recognized staff milestones, and set the vision for the year ahead. Heartland Credit Union sponsored the breakfast and a tote bag for all staff members- a 30 year tradition in USD 308.
“Convocation is more than just a kickoff, it’s about uniting our staff under a shared mission to help every student thrive,” said Dr. Dawn Johnson, Superintendent of Hutchinson Public Schools. “When our educators feel energized and connected, our students benefit from that excitement all year long.”
With the 2025-2026 school year now underway, Hutchinson Public Schools looks forward to another year of academic growth, innovative teaching, and community partnership. Welcome messages were provided by Leslie Shea of Heartland Credit Union; Lance Patterson, BOE President; and Tobie Henline, HNEA Vice President.
Davis Teacher of the Year Awards Announced
Each year, the James & Juliet L. Foundation trustees select a group of outstanding teachers currently serving in USD 308 Hutchinson Public Schools to receive a cash award. Nominations are submitted in the spring and selected by committee. Since 1982, when the trustees established the Davis Teacher of the Year Award, nearly $500,000 has been distributed to educators. Allen Fee and Sarah Liebl presented the awards.
The award winners were:
-Amy Taylor, Pre-K, Morgan Elementary School
-Amy Etzwiler-Blew, Special Education, Lincoln-McCandless Elementary School
-Carol Stockton, Instructional Support, Wiley Elementary School
-Micah Mikulecky, Social Studies, Hutchinson Middle School 7
-Kari Ohnmacht, Family & Consumer Science, Hutchinson High School
-Taylor Gomez, English, Hutchinson High School
The Davis Foundation also awards scholarships to USD 308 students each spring who will be attending a Kansas or Missouri college after graduation.
Teachers and Staff Honored for Tenure and Recognized for Awards
Sally Bailey presented the Classified Employee of the Year Award. Nominations for this award were made during the spring of 2025 by staff, community members, parents and students. Classified employees make up approximately half of the staff population in USD 308. The term covers a variety of positions including paraeducators, secretaries, nurses, nutrition services, custodians, maintenance and more. The nominations were reduced to a shortlist of ten, who were subsequently interviewed by a group of volunteer classified employees, which narrowed the field down to three nominees before choosing a winner. The 2024-2025 Classified Employee Award was given to Jamie Brown, Payroll & Benefits Coordinator and Board Clerk.
Deputy Superintendent Krystal Young presented the Certified Employee of the year. Nominations for this award were made during the spring of 2025 by staff, community members, parents and students. Certified employees make up approximately half of the staff population in USD 308. Certified staff are teachers, social workers, special education teachers and more. The Certified Employee of the Year was awarded to Tara Urban, Special Education Teacher at Allen STEM Magnet.
The 2023-2024 Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) representatives took the stage to present the KTOY and Horizon awards and share reflections from their experience. Leslie Specht, third-grade teacher at Lincoln-McCandless Elementary, and Whitney Aves, Family and Consumer Science Teacher at Hutchinson High School, spoke about the unique camaraderie formed among KTOY nominees as they travel to K–12 districts and colleges across Kansas. They described how these visits provide valuable ideas and best practices, many of which they have brought back to apply within USD 308. Their remarks highlighted the lasting professional and personal connections built through the program.
They recognized the 2024-2025 KTOY Nominees Tara Urban, Special Education Teacher at Allen STEM Magnet, and Melissa Swaim, Mathematics Teacher at Hutchinson High School.
More than half of USD 308 staff members have served the district for five years or longer, and they were invited to stand and be recognized in five-year increments. Staff were asked to stand and be recognized for their service in five-year increments. As the Salthawk Service Awards came to a close, one staff member remained standing- Du Wayne Klaassen, Head Custodian at Graber Elementary. Known for his hard work and friendly spirit, Klaassen received a standing ovation as he was honored for an extraordinary 45 years of service to Hutchinson Public Schools. On stage, Dr. Johnson presented him with an engraved award in recognition of his remarkable dedication. Staff received engraved lapel pins and certificates for each five years of employment with USD 308.
Guest Speaker, Enrico Villegas
Enrico Villegas, Manager, City of Hutchinson, addressed the crowd. He shared personal insights and stories that connected with the audience and reinforced the event’s community-oriented theme. He encouraged attendees to get involved with their community in ways that are personally meaningful for them.
Bond Information Presented by Dr. Dawn JohnsonDr. Dawn Johnson delivered the keynote presentation to update staff on the upcoming bond election scheduled for November 4th. She outlined the specific impacts the bond would have on each school building across the district. The presentation also detailed a projected timeline for construction projects that would follow if the bond is approved. Staff left with a clearer understanding of how the bond could shape the district’s future facilities and learning environments.
Over 30 Organizations Attend Resource Fair
Immediately following convocation, the district held a resource fair with over 30 community groups in attendance. Booths varied from health and wellness partners, educational opportunities through HutchCC and KSU Dept. of Education and more. The resource fair was well attended by staff.
About Hutchinson Public Schools
Hutchinson Public Schools serves approximately 4,100 students across Hutchinson, offering a diverse range of academic, extracurricular, and support programs. The district’s mission is educating and empowering every Salthawk for life.
For addtional pictures, please see the district Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usd308
***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
Press Contact:
Stacy Goss
Hutchinson Public Schools USD 308
Director of Communications
info@usd308.com
620-615-4048