5 takeaways from Salina USD 305 school board meeting
September 9 2025
School Board Approves Sale of 26-Acre Magnolia Property
USD 305 Passes $173.14 Million Budget, Mill Levy Sees Slight Decrease
Superintendent Advocates for Special Education Funding Reform
South High Student Crowned World Champion Twirler
District Teacher Selected for Statewide Showcase
School Board Approves Sale of 26-Acre Magnolia Property
SALINA - The USD 305 Board of Education voted unanimously to authorize the sale of a 26-acre property on East Magnolia Street. Originally purchased in December 2001 with the intent to build a new school, the land is now considered unneeded due to declining enrollment and accessibility issues created by a new median. The sales contract includes a "right of first refusal" for the original owner, who will have the first opportunity to repurchase the property. The sale price will be determined by the average of three independent appraisals.
USD 305 Passes $173.14 Million Budget, Mill Levy Sees Slight Decrease
SALINA - The Board of Education has officially approved the district’s budget for the 2025–2026 school year, totaling approximately $173.14 million. The budget, which supports the district’s mission "to be the best place to learn and work," includes a 3.8% average salary increase for staff, expanded health benefits, and maintained funding for interventionists and social workers at every school. Taxpayers will see a slight reduction in the property tax rate, with the mill levy decreasing by 0.171 mills.
Superintendent Advocates for Special Education Funding Reform
SALINA - Superintendent Heath Hogan reported on his recent participation in statewide discussions tied to the Education Funding Task Force created in 2024, which includes revising the method of determining and distributing special education state aid. He noted momentum toward student-centered, formula-based approaches and emphasized the importance of input from local special education directors to shape a model that better serves students across Kansas.
South High Student Crowned World Champion Twirler
SALINA - A local student has achieved international acclaim, according to a report from the board. Allen Johnson, a senior at South High School, won the world title in the "strut" category at the World Twirling Championship held in Italy just before the school year began. Johnson, who marches with the South High band, competed against top twirlers from around the globe to secure the victory.
District Teacher Selected for Statewide Showcase
SALINA - Linda Edson, a Family and Consumer Sciences (FACTS) teacher South High, has been selected to represent USD 305 at the upcoming Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB) convention. Edson will present at the "District Showcase," an event designed to celebrate innovative and successful programs happening in schools across Kansas. Her selection brings statewide recognition to the district and its teaching staff.
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