5 takeaways from Hutchinson USD 308 school board meeting
July 28, 2025
USD 308 to Ask Voters for $109.5 Million Bond to Build New Middle School, Upgrade Facilities
The Hutchinson USD 308 Board of Education is moving forward with a $109.5 million bond proposal that will go to voters on November 4, 2025. The proposal, detailed in a presentation by Board President Lance Patterson, is the culmination of 15 months of work by a community facilities committee that held over 30 public meetings. The plan focuses on two main priorities: simplifying early childhood education and improving the middle-school experience.
The bond would fund creation of a single, unified middle school for grades 6-8, reducing transitions for students and increasing collaboration. It would also create a dedicated early-learning center by repurposing an existing building to streamline pre-K enrollment. Additionally, the bond includes funds for extensive upgrades across the district’s elementary schools, with projects ranging from new gyms and storm shelters to roof repairs and HVAC improvements. Patterson emphasized that the plan was developed to prepare “today’s students for tomorrow’s world.”
Teacher Contract Ratified, Starting Salary Rises to $49,500
The Board of Education gave its final approval to a new negotiated agreement with the Hutchinson National Education Association, including a significant pay raise for teachers. The board voted 7-0 to ratify the contract, noting the process concluded earlier than in recent years. The agreement raises the starting salary for teachers in the district to $49,500, a crucial step in keeping USD 308 competitive for attracting and retaining quality educators.
District Projects Stable or Lower Mill Rate in Upcoming Budget
As the district finalizes its budget for the coming school year, taxpayers can expect the property-tax mill rate to hold steady or even decrease. During the superintendent’s report, officials noted that while the district will not be “revenue neutral” under state definitions, the actual mill rate levied on taxpayers is not expected to increase. Hutchinson residents should receive taxpayer notices from the school district in the mail soon. The full budget will be presented to the board for approval at an upcoming meeting.
New Library-Card Program Sees Big Success with Youngest Students
A new partnership with the public library to provide elementary students with library cards has been a resounding success. Since the program launched on May 6, students have checked out 1,745 books. A district official reported that second-graders were the most frequent users. Particularly encouraging were nine pre-K students who collectively checked out 157 items. Following the strong initial results, the district hopes to expand the program to provide library cards for all students.
Back-to-School Season Arrives for USD 308
The district is gearing up for the start of the 2025-26 school year. Walk-in enrollment is scheduled for the day following the board meeting, with staff available from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The annual convocation for all district staff will take place on the morning of Wednesday, August 6. The first day of classes for students is set for Wednesday, August 13.
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