HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education held its regular meeting Monday, September 22 at 6:00 PM at the Administrative Center located at 1520 North Plum St.
Hutchinson Public Schools has announced its accreditation for the 2025-2026 school year. The Kansas State Department of Education recently shifted from a five-year accreditation cycle to an annual accreditation model for all schools.
September 22 served as the official student count day across Kansas. Dr. Dawn Johnson noted continuing demographic trends, including lower birth rates in Reno County that have resulted in smaller kindergarten classes. This pattern mirrors a statewide decline, as Kansas saw 5,200 fewer students enrolled last year.
In her superintendent’s remarks, Dr. Johnson highlighted the District’s Virtual School and its use of Acellus software. The program grew by 37 students this year. The District selected Acellus specifically for its academic rigor.
Dr. Johnson also extended an invitation to Board members to join this week’s Homecoming festivities. Friday, September 26th is a one-hour early release for all schools so that students, families and staff can attend the homecoming parade. The parade will be held at 11th and Plum again this year. The start of the parade will be at 14th and Plum, traveling south and turning east on 11th. The parade will travel on the north side of 11th Street and will end at Stringer Fine Arts Center. Football fans will enjoy a packed pregame show at 6:20 PM as the District will recognize outstanding staff including Kansas Teacher of the Year nominees, Horizon Nominee, Certified Employee of the Year, Classified Employee of the Year, and the Salthawk Service Award. The Wall of Honor will recognize Brett Ballard, Class of 1998; Glenna Burden, Class of 1991; and Dwight Hemmerling, Class of 1966. Homecoming King will be crowned during the pregame show. Kickoff is at 7:00 against Salina South.
The halftime show will feature the crowning of the Homecoming Queen, performances by the Salthawk Marching Band and HHS Dance Team, and a Punt/Pass/Kick sponsored by Allen Samuels. The full list of Homecoming Royalty and the schedule of events can be found at www.usd308.com/hoco
The Lil’ Hawks Preschool program presented its annual report for the 2024-2025 school year. Lil’ Hawks operates 15 pre-k classrooms across multiple sites with additional programs serving children and pregnant mothers. For more information visit www.usd308.com/earlychildhood
There was no public participation during the meeting.
The Board approved the superintendent’s consent agenda, which included:
- A memorandum of understanding with Dillon Nature Center.
- Renewal of the Apptegy software and website hosting contract.
- A grant request.
The Dillon Nature Center MOU provides for 45 programs or field trips during the 2025-2026 school year, as well as Arbor Day and Conservation Day programming in spring 2026.
The grant request included a single item: $305 for Lincoln-McCandless Elementary to create a reading corner through DonorsChoose. Emily Moore, Lincoln-McCandless Elementary Principal, said, “Thanks to the grant funding, our fourth graders are transforming their classroom into a vibrant, flexible learning space designed to spark a love for reading! From cozy rugs and soft pillows to comfy cushions and chair fidget bands, students will have inviting, flexible seating options that make reading fun while boosting focus and concentration.”
The personnel report was approved as presented. No executive session was held.
The full agenda is available at www.usd308.com/boe. The next Board of Education meeting will be held October 13 at 6:00 PM at the USD 308 Administration Center, 1520 N. Plum.
