5 takeaways from Hutchinson USD 308 school board meeting

Board Eyes Future Facility Needs

Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson and Director of Finance Abby Stockebrand walked the board through a districtwide Building Needs Assessment, outlining facility conditions and possible options (renovation, new construction, or consolidation). No action was taken, but members signaled that the review frames decisions the community may be asked to consider in the coming months.  

Tax & Budget Hearings Set for Aug. 25

SD 308 will hold two back-to-back public hearings at the Administration Center, 1520 N. Plum, on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025: the Revenue Neutral Rate hearing at 5:45 p.m., followed by the 2025-26 budget hearing at 5:50 p.m. The board’s unanimous scheduling gives taxpayers a formal chance to comment on the levy and spending plan before a final vote.  

Sale Approved for Student-Built Homes

The board unanimously approved real-estate contracts to sell two HCTEA Building Trades homes at 2800 and 2804 Morris Rd., marking another year that student work turns into program revenue and workforce training wins. The HCTEA program builds full-size houses in partnership with local education and industry.

District Pursues Head Start Nutrition Funds

USD 308 authorized an application for the federal one-time supplemental “Nutrition & Healthy Eating” funds (ACF-OHS-PI-25-02) to bolster Early Head Start/Head Start meals and nutrition education. If awarded, dollars can cover kitchen upgrades, food service equipment, curriculum resources, or limited non-recurring personnel costs.  

Personnel Hires Ahead of School Start

Trustees approved a routine personnel report that included classroom support staff, nutrition services roles, a high-school security specialist, and assistant coaching positions at Hutchinson Middle School—aiming to have teams staffed before students arrive.

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