At USD 308, we believe accountability matters. Our district has been measuring student success and tracking outcomes to understand where our students are thriving and where we can continue to improve.
Our students are meeting and exceeding benchmarks established by the State of Kansas, and we're seeing encouraging progress in key areas:
🎓 91.2% graduation rate — up from 86%.
📚 60% Grade 3 reading proficiency — up from 50%.
📈 18.8% chronic absenteeism — down from 30.6%.
These numbers tell an important story about the work happening in our classrooms and the progress our students are making.
Our strategic plan provides a roadmap for continuing that work. Every bond dollar is aligned with the goals already established in USD 308's 2024–2028 Strategic Plan. This is not about starting over or changing direction. It's about building on the progress we've made and continuing to invest in student success. Read more here: www.usd308.com/strategicplan
We measure progress. We celebrate growth. And we keep working to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.
#USD308 #StudentSuccess #HutchinsonKansas
This is the last of the community meetings. It will be held at HCTEA, 800 E. 15th Circle on Wednesday, October 28th from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
The bond focuses on improving the schools and facilities we already have and includes no new buildings. Proposed projects focus on key needs throughout the district, including safety and security improvements, HVAC and roofing projects, and food service improvements.
These informal meetings are an opportunity to learn, ask questions, and share your thoughts. Knowledgeable USD 308 staff will be available to answer questions, and attendees can view maps, see additional project details, and learn more about the work proposed at schools throughout the district.
Whether you have specific questions or simply want to be informed before Election Day, we invite you to stop by.
All events start at 6:00pm and are a come and go style of event.
Light refreshments will be served. Learn more at www.usd308.com/bond
From crime-scene DNA labs at HCTEA to second-grade classrooms at Lincoln-McCandless Elementary, these two educators build connections that help students believe in themselves. 💙
Read more 👉 https://www.usd308.com/article/3200541
The bond focuses on improving the schools and facilities we already have and includes no new buildings. Proposed projects focus on key needs throughout the district, including safety and security improvements, HVAC and roofing projects, and food service improvements.
These informal meetings are an opportunity to learn, ask questions, and share your thoughts. Knowledgeable USD 308 staff will be available to answer questions, and attendees can view maps, see additional project details, and learn more about the work proposed at schools throughout the district.
Whether you have specific questions or simply want to be informed before Election Day, we invite you to stop by.
Events will be held each Wednesday this October.
October 21 and 28: held at HCTEA, 800 E. 15th Circle.
All events start at 6:00pm and are a come and go style of event.
Light refreshments will be served. Learn more at www.usd308.com/bond
Dear Salthawk Community,
As our community prepares for the upcoming bond election, our goal is to provide you with clear, accurate information regarding the proposed facility improvements and how the district plans to manage your public investments.
Below is a brief breakdown of how the project budget is structured and the protections in place for our local taxpayers.
When planning major renovations across multiple school buildings, our community wants to know two things:
How are the tax dollars being managed?
And how do we protect our investment?
Of the $36 million bond, about 85% ($30.7 million) is dedicated to hard construction costs. This pays for the actual physical improvements, like storm shelters, new roofs, updated heating and cooling systems, and safer buildings. The remaining balance covers professional fees, planning, and equipment.
A key protection for taxpayers is how the construction will be managed. The district is using a method called Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR). Under CMAR, once the design is finished, the builder must commit to a guaranteed maximum price before major construction begins.
This method provides two protections under Kansas law:
• Cost overrun protection: The construction manager is responsible for costs above the guaranteed maximum price, except for costs resulting from changes to the project plans.
• Savings stay with the district: If the project is completed under the guaranteed price, all savings are returned to the school district.
This approach is designed to help keep construction costs within budget. We believe that transparency is essential throughout this planning process. Our commitment is to ensure that every resident has the facts needed to make an informed decision at the ballot box. For more details on the individual building and project scopes, please visit our district bond information page at www.usd308.com/bond.
Hutchinson Public Schools
USD 308 Board of Education: Meeting Recap, Oct. 12, 2026
The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education held its regular meeting Monday evening at the USD 308 Administration Center.
Superintendent search update | ESSDACK Executive Director, Dr. Shiloh Vincent and Director of Leadership Services, Dr. Chad Higgins, gave a presentation to the board on the district’s search for a new superintendent. They highlighted the application window which closes at the end of the month. They also spoke about the processes that will be in place over the next 45 days, and asked for feedback about interview format and date preferences as they will work together to select candidates, schedule interviews, and hire the next superintendent. Based on the tentative schedule, the Board will select a superintendent in late November.
Public participation | Community members had the chance to speak to the board on any topic related to board work. Allen STEM Magnet Music Teacher, Elizabeth Cruz, read a letter from a parent who was unable to attend. The letter addressed behavior concerns at the school. The Board President directed Supt. Dr. Johnson to follow up on the concerns.
Routine business approved | The board approved its consent agenda, which included:
-Minutes from the Sept. 28 board meeting
-September 2026 accounts payable
-Grant requests
-Gifts to schools
Reports and updates | Board members shared reports from their committee assignments, and the superintendent gave an update to the board.
Personnel | The board went into executive session to discuss personnel matters under the non-elected personnel exception of the Kansas Open Meetings Act. After returning to open session, the board voted to notify an employee of its intent to terminate employment, which begins the employee’s due process rights. The board also approved the personnel report.
The next regularly scheduled BOE meeting will be Monday, Oct. 26, at 6:00pm, at the USD 308 Administration Center, 1520 N. Plum.
The bond focuses on improving the schools and facilities we already have and includes no new buildings. Proposed projects focus on key needs throughout the district, including safety and security improvements, HVAC and roofing projects, and food service improvements.
These informal meetings are an opportunity to learn, ask questions, and share your thoughts. Knowledgeable USD 308 staff will be available to answer questions, and attendees can view maps, see additional project details, and learn more about the work proposed at schools throughout the district.
Whether you have specific questions or simply want to be informed before Election Day, we invite you to stop by.
Events will be held each Wednesday this October.
October 14: held at HMS 7, 210 East Ave. A
October 21 and 28: held at HCTEA, 800 E. 15th Circle.
All events start at 6:00pm and are a come and go style of event.
Light refreshments will be served. Learn more at www.usd308.com/bond
We know students miss school for many reasons. Illness, appointments, family needs and other challenges can sometimes make it hard to be at school every day. Our goal is not to place blame. We want to work with families, offer support when needed and help students be at school as often as possible.
A student is considered chronically absent when they miss 10% or more of the school days that have taken place. This includes both excused and unexcused absences. Missing too much school can make it harder for students to keep up with learning and stay connected with their teachers and classmates.
We are proud of the progress our families have made, and we want to keep that progress going. By working together, we can help every student succeed.
Every day at school is another opportunity to learn, connect and grow.
📊 How does the 2026 bond compare to last year's proposal?
Last year's bond:
$109.5 million
25-year repayment
New middle school, early childhood center and student services center
9-mill increase
2026 bond:
$36 million
12-year repayment
Safety and security, roofing, HVAC and plumbing, with improvements at ALL schools
NO mill increase
Have questions? Join us at a community meeting. All meetings are on Wednesdays at 6 p.m., starting TOMORROW:
📍Oct. 7 and Oct. 14: HMS7, 210 East Ave A
📍 Oct. 21 and Oct. 28: CTEA, 800 East 15th Circle
🗳️Check your voter registration at www.ksvotes.org. Voter registration ends October 13. Mail ballots must be requested by October 27.
Learn more and see the full comparison at www.usd308.com/bond.
The bond focuses on improving the schools and facilities we already have and includes no new buildings. Proposed projects focus on key needs throughout the district, including safety and security improvements, HVAC and roofing projects, and food service improvements.
These informal meetings are an opportunity to learn, ask questions, and share your thoughts. Knowledgeable USD 308 staff will be available to answer questions, and attendees can view maps, see additional project details, and learn more about the work proposed at schools throughout the district.
Whether you have specific questions or simply want to be informed before Election Day, we invite you to stop by.
Events will be held each Wednesday this October.
October 7 and 14: held at HMS 7, 210 East Ave. A
October 21 and 28: held at HCTEA, 800 E. 15th Circle.
All events start at 6:00pm and are a come and go style of event.
Light refreshments will be served. Learn more at www.usd308.com/bond
💙💛 Bond 2026: What's planned for Hutchinson High School 💙💛
Here's what the USD 308 bond would mean for HHS students, staff, and families:
🏠 Roof Replacement – replacing aging roofing to protect students, staff, and the building
🔐 Controlled Entry and Safety Upgrades at CTEA – improved entry control and building security
♿ Restroom and ADA Upgrades – updated restrooms and better accessibility for everyone in our building
🗳️ Election Day is Tuesday, November 3rd. Get the facts, make your plan, and make your voice heard!
Learn more about the projects planned for every Hutchinson school at www.hutchbond.com
#StrongerSchoolsBrighterFutures #HutchBond #USD308 #HutchHigh
📅 Happy October, Salthawks!
🍎 NEW: Our lunch cost calculator is live! Prepay for your child's lunches in just a few clicks: usd308.com/nutrition
🏈 HOMECOMING TOMORROW: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2nd
⏰ One-hour early release for all grades (Check the images for the release times and transportation information)
🎉 3:00 PM – Parade (Check the attached images for the route!)
🏟️ 7:00 PM – Homecoming game
To wrap up spirit week, all schools will wear our school colors of blue and gold Friday!
🚫 NO SCHOOL:
• Thu, Oct. 8 – Parent/Teacher Conferences
• Fri, Oct. 9 – No school for all grades
• Mon, Oct. 26 – Professional Development
Have a great start to the month! 💙💛
#Salthawks #USD308 #Homecoming
That would explain why these questions seem to get the same answers every day:
“How’s school going?” — Good.
“What did you learn today?” — I don’t know.
“How are your classes?” — Fine.
“What’s going on with your friends?” — Nothing.
Luckily, their teachers didn’t sign the NDA. 😉
Join us for Parent/Teacher Conferences on Thursday, October 8! Reach out to your child's teacher if you missed the alerts!
Conferences are your chance to get the inside scoop on your child’s:
📚 Academic progress
🌱 Social growth
💪 Strengths and successes
🎯 Areas where they may need extra support
💬 And all those things they forgot to mention at home
Come talk with the people who spend their days learning, growing and cheering on your kid.
Break the NDA. Come to conferences. 💙💛
This fall, the HHS Wall of Honor welcomes Dr. Daniel Cavanaugh ('58), Allen Fee ('80), and Frances Garcia ('56) — a surgeon who commanded the real MASH unit, a business leader who's spent decades giving back, and Hutchinson's first Hispanic woman mayor.
Join us Thursday, Oct. 1 for the induction banquet, and catch all three honorees at the Homecoming parade and game on Friday, Oct. 2! 🏈
🎟️ Banquet seats are $15 — details in the link below.
📍 HHS Career and Technical Education Academy | 6:00 p.m.
https://www.usd308.com/article/3124747
#HHSWallOfHonor #HutchinsonHigh #Homecoming2026
Parenting can be challenging. There's no manual, no dress rehearsal, and no one does it alone — it truly takes a village. 💛
For 15 years, Dolly Parton has been part of the village for Reno County families.
Since the Dolly Parton Imagination Library launched in Reno County back in 2011, United Way of Reno County has delivered over 416,000 free books to nearly 12,000 local kids from birth to age 5 — with more than 24,000 books going out in 2025 alone.
And the impact is real: seven years into the program, kindergarten readiness in Reno County climbed from roughly 48–52% all the way up to 79%. That's what a book a month, straight to a child's mailbox, can do.
As Dolly says: "If you can read, you can do anything."
If you have a little one under 5 at home, enroll them today — it's free, it doesn't matter what your family's income is, and by their 5th birthday they could have a home library of up to 60 books. 📚
👉 Sign up here: https://imaginationlibrary.com/usa/affiliate/KSRENO/?chkAvalAddressData=eyJjYWxsYmFjayI6dHJ1ZSwiYWRkcmVzcyI6eyJjb3VudHJ5IjoiVVMiLCJ6aXAiOiI2NzUwMiIsInN0YXRlIjoiS1MiLCJjaXR5IjoiSHV0Y2hpbnNvbiIsImNvdW50eSI6IlJlbm8iLCJzdHJlZXQiOiIifX0%3D
Thank you, Dolly, for 15 years of helping raise readers in Reno County. 🧡
#DollyParton #ImaginationLibrary #RenoCounty #UnitedWay #EarlyLiteracy #ItTakesAVillage
Big news for the Salthawk family.
After 34 years in public education — including five years leading Hutchinson Public Schools — Superintendent Dr. Dawn M. Johnson has announced she will retire at the conclusion of the 2026-2027 school year. From the classroom to district leadership — and alongside an extraordinary 41-year career of service in the U.S. Army Reserve — Dr. Johnson has dedicated her life to serving others. While there is still an entire school year of important work ahead, we are grateful for Dr. Johnson's leadership, her commitment to our students and staff, and the lasting impact she has made on Hutchinson Public Schools.
Read the full announcement, including a message from Dr. Johnson and details about the superintendent search, here: https://www.usd308.com/article/3093088
#SalthawkStrong #DistrictOfDistinction
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.
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!
