By Lucky Kidd
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Textbook fees were a topic of discussion for the Hutchinson USD 308 Board of Education last night. At their last meeting, Board member Lance Patterson asked about what the financial impact would be if the district eliminated the $65 fee. That fee is reduced for students receiving free and reduced price school lunches.
Last school year USD 308 had around $50,000 in unpaid fees, which are sent to the state of Kansas’ set-off program for collection. One of the issues about eliminating that fee is how it might impact at-risk state aid, which is solely based on the number of students getting free and reduced-price meals. Staff will be studying the various financial factors that would enter into any decision to eliminate those fees, with the topic to come back up in January.
Along with a large number of first of the year designations and appointments, including such things as persons responsible for oversight of various programs and activities, appointment of the board clerk, treasurer and legal counsel, depositories and the official newspaper, the Board approved most of the policy revisions recommended by the Kansas Association of School Boards.
Revisions to four policies were put on hold due to a federal judge’s order last week preventing final Title 9 rules issued in April on hold. The Board also approved district handbooks and fees for 2024-25.
The Board re-elected Laura Corey as Board president for the coming year, with Darcie Canfield Riggs elected vice president.
The Board approved renewal of an agreement with Kansas Learning Center for the Corwin Supplemental Supports the district uses to provide individualized support for the five district schools on watch status. Most of the $144,000 cost is covered by federal grant funds with the remainder of ESSER funds.
The board approved purchase of cubicle systems, conference tables and chairs for virtual staff that will be working out of the Career and Technical Education Academy., and replacement of equipment used in the emergency communication system in each of 12 elevators in the district. This over $38,000 purchase will replace existing analog phone lines being phased out by AT&T.
Among annual contracts approved were two memorandums of understanding with United Way of Reno County related to the early childhood block grant. Also approved were the MOU’s with Reno County Educational Cooperative, with McAdams Academy for the district’s virtual school, an agreement with the city of Hutchinson for turf installation on Field 2 at Fun Valley, and annual agreements with the Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, and Trinity United Methodist Church involving the Salthawk Community Support program the church operates.
