HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The USD 308 Board of Education met for its regularly scheduled meeting on February 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Prior to the meeting, board members completed required Head Start and cybersecurity training.
Six board members were present, establishing a quorum. Board Member Laura Corey was absent.
During the Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Dawn Johnson provided several district updates. She discussed the need to refresh equipment in the Hutchinson High School cardio room, which serves both students and staff. Finance Director Abby Stockebrand is collaborating with HHS staff to pursue grants and donations to support the upgrades.
Dr. Johnson also shared the need to revisit the high school schedule structure, specifically exploring a transition from trimesters to semesters. She outlined the complex scheduling considerations counselors and administrators navigate each year. The Board later expressed support for continued exploration of this potential change.
In addition, Dr. Johnson announced that the Lil’ Hawks Child Care Center remains on track to open March 23 at 29th and Adams.
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Krystal Young reported on professional development held during the recent two-day student break. On Friday, February 20, staff participated in building-level training sessions tailored to individual site needs, including state assessment preparation, data analysis, and Safe and Civil Schools training. On Monday, February 23, the district held a Visible Learning professional development day focused on feedback. Teachers and administrators examined how to effectively seek, provide, and apply feedback to strengthen student learning and engagement.
Dr. Young and Hutchinson National Education Association President Lynnette Krieger-Zook presented the proposed 2026–2027 academic calendar. Survey data from parents and staff showed strong support for designating a no-work, no-school day during the Kansas State Fair. In response, the calendar committee recommended Monday, September 14, as that day. As part of the planning process, USD 308 ensures the academic calendar exceeds state-mandated instructional hour requirements at all grade levels. The Board unanimously approved the 2026–2027 calendar, which is available at www.usd308.com/calendar.
Under the Superintendent’s Consent Agenda, the Board unanimously approved the January 2026 Treasurer’s Report, an early graduation request, and multiple grants and donations. Approved items included:
· A $2,000 grant from Southland Dairy Farmers to the Hutchinson High School Athletics Department to provide chocolate milk for the track team during the spring season.
· Donations supporting the Stephanie Kraus Memorial Library at Graber Elementary School.
· A $2,500 donation to Lil’ Hawks Child Care Center.
· Contributions to Lincoln-McCandless, Graber, and Morgan Elementary Schools to help reduce student meal debt.
During board discussion, members shared celebrations from across the district, including CDDO Night, the NAACP Sharlotte Minnis “Tell Me About It” Poster Contest, KidWind teams advancing to state competition, the middle and high school jazz band concert, and Hutchinson High School senior Giselle Rodriguez earning the prestigious Rudd Scholarship.
The Board entered a 15-minute executive session to discuss non-elected personnel matters. Upon returning to open session, the personnel report was unanimously approved with no changes.
The full agenda is available at www.usd308.com/boe.
The next regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting will be held March 9, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the USD 308 Administration Center, 1520 N. Plum.
