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.
✅ 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
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
HMS 8 Parents, if you have not yet order a 2025-2026 Yearbook for your student and would like to, this is your final friendly reminder that all yearbook orders are due by April 10th (This Friday)!!
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
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
Highlights include:
✔️ Approval of the 2026–2027 academic calendar, including a no-work, no-school day during the Kansas State Fair (Check out www.usd308.com/calendar)
✔️ Professional development focused on the power of feedback through Visible Learning
✔️ Grants and donations supporting: student athletics, elementary meal debt relief, Stephanie Kraus memorial, and Lil’ Hawks Child Care Center
Read more here: www.usd308.com/article/2726821
We’re proud of the great things happening across the district - from students advancing to the State Kid Wind Competition to a Hutch High senior earning the prestigious Rudd Scholarship! Read more good news here: www.usd308.com/news
The next Board meeting will be on March 9 at 6:00 p.m. at the USD 308 Administration Center. Full agenda details are available at www.usd308.com/boe
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Professional development isn’t just a day on the calendar — it’s how we ensure every student gets the very best from us, every single day.
In our district, we use the Visible Learning framework developed by John Hattie to guide our growth as educators. This research-based approach helps us focus on what truly makes the greatest impact on student achievement. It challenges us to reflect on our practice, use evidence to drive instruction, and continually ask: What works best for students?
A key pillar of Visible Learning is feedback. Research shows that clear, timely, and specific feedback is one of the highest-impact influences on student achievement. Effective feedback helps students understand where they are, where they’re going, and what steps they need to take next. It also encourages teachers to seek feedback on their own instructional practices — creating a culture where learning is visible not just for students, but for educators as well.
When our teachers learn and refine their practice through meaningful feedback, our students benefit. Professional development strengthens instructional strategies, builds collaboration, and keeps us aligned around high-impact practices. It ensures we are not just working hard — but working smart — with clarity, purpose, and measurable results.
Investing in our staff is an investment in our students’ success. 💙
⭐ Perseverance ⭐ Compassion ⭐ Integrity ⭐ Innovation ⭐
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
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
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
