Takeaways from Hutchinson USD 308 Board of Education Meeting
Week of June 9, 2026
Board proposes $60 million facilities upgrade plan with no anticipated tax increase
Fourth school resource officer added for middle schools
New policy bans personal cell phone use during the school day
Free breakfast approved for all K-12 students
Early childhood program aims to offer full-day care and meals
District explores major schedule changes for Hutchinson High School
Board proposes $60 million facilities upgrade plan with no anticipated tax increase
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The USD 308 Board of Education is considering a comprehensive 10-year, $60 million facility maintenance and upgrade strategy that would fund storm shelters, HVAC replacements and restroom renovations without increasing the local property tax rate. The plan, presented by Director of Finance Abby Stockebrand, proposes utilizing approximately $30 million from a future bond issue and $30 million from capital outlay funds. By shifting four mills from capital outlay back to bond and interest, the district estimates the overall mill levy will remain steady at roughly 52 mills. The bond portion of the plan, which requires voter approval, would prioritize storm shelters for the three elementary schools currently lacking them — Allen STEM Magnet, Graber Elementary School and Wiley Elementary School — as well as major roof and safety updates.
Fourth school resource officer added for middle schools
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Public Schools is expanding its partnership with the Hutchinson Police Department by adding a fourth school resource officer for the upcoming school year. The 7-0 vote means each of the district's two middle schools, Hutchinson Middle School 7 and Hutchinson Middle School 8, will now have a dedicated officer, while two officers will remain stationed at Hutchinson High School. The additional school resource officer is estimated to cost the district $34,000, which administrators hope to fund using a state safety grant.
New policy bans personal cell phone use during the school day
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — To comply with Kansas House Bill 2299, the USD 308 Board of Education unanimously approved a new policy prohibiting students from accessing personal electronic communication devices, including cell phones, during the school day. Devices must remain completely inaccessible from the opening bell to the end of the school day, though the ban does not apply to after-school sporting events or transportation. Exceptions will be made for students who require personal devices for medical reasons or as outlined in an Individualized Education Program or 504 plan.
Free breakfast approved for all K-12 students
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — All K-12 students in Hutchinson Public Schools will receive free breakfast starting next school year. The board voted 7-0 to eliminate breakfast charges after Director of Nutrition Services Jennifer Tatro reported that similar models in peer districts resulted in 40 percent to 50 percent increases in morning meal participation, particularly among middle and high school students. While breakfast will be free, the board also unanimously approved a 20-cent price increase for student lunches and a 25-cent increase for adult lunches to help offset a 7 percent rise in food and labor costs.
Early childhood program aims to offer full-day care and meals
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The district's Lil' Hawks Early Learning Program, which currently provides free half-day education for children from birth to age 5, is exploring a transition to full-day care. During a strategic planning update, offering lunch services at the center was identified as a top priority to facilitate a full-day schedule. The transition aims to ease the burden on working families who currently struggle to accommodate midday pickups and part-time child care schedules.
District explores major schedule changes for Hutchinson High School
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson High School is evaluating a shift away from its current five-period trimester schedule to better align with college and career programs. A scheduling committee presented several potential models to the USD 308 Board of Education, including a six-period trimester, a seven-period semester and a five-period semester hybrid. Proponents of the semester models noted they would better align with Hutchinson Community College courses and limit instructional gaps in core classes, while the trimester model allows for longer periods and more elective options. No changes will be finalized until September, giving the administration time to gather further input from staff and parents.
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