Stelter, Cain named Salina Public Schools Teachers of the Year

Shultz honored as Gatorade Kansas Girls Cross Country Player of the Year

District identifies educational barriers, calls out state Legislature on funding

District accepts over $6 million in federal Head Start grants

Board signs off on new textbook adoptions

Board approves nearly $1 million for wireless network replacement

District middle school slated for $100,000 parking lot renovation

Tentative 2027-2028 district calendar approved

1. Stelter, Cain named Salina Public Schools Teachers of the Year

SALINA, Kan. — Janelle Stelter and Ericka Cain were honored as the Unified School District 305 Teachers of the Year. Both educators addressed the Salina Public Schools Board of Education, sharing their nontraditional paths into special education and emphasizing the importance of relationship-building with students. The awards, sponsored by the H.E. and Erma Lee Nuss family, include a $1,000 prize. Retired Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Lawton Nuss attended the meeting to speak about the family's education legacy.

2. Shultz honored as Gatorade Kansas Girls Cross Country Player of the Year

SALINA, Kan. — Kaylie Shultz, a junior at Salina Central High School, was recognized by the Salina Public Schools Board of Education as the Gatorade Kansas Girls Cross Country Player of the Year for 2025-26. Shultz won the Class 5A state championship. The award recognizes top high school athletes for athletic excellence, academic achievement and community involvement.

3. District identifies educational barriers, calls out state Legislature on funding

SALINA, Kan. — The Salina Public Schools Board of Education unanimously approved its annual assessment review for budget considerations, a state-mandated document outlining barriers to student success. An unnamed district administrator presented the findings, which cited chronic absenteeism, mental health needs and student substance abuse as primary obstacles. Following the presentation, a direct call was issued to the Kansas Legislature, urging lawmakers to review the district's struggles and take action on fully funding special education, universal transportation and mental health supports.

4. District accepts over $6 million in federal Head Start grants

SALINA, Kan. — More than $6 million in federal funding will flow into the district's early childhood programs following the Salina Public Schools Board of Education's unanimous approval of a Head Start grant application. The grant, totaling $6,041,582, requires a 25 percent local match of $1,510,396. The funds will support early education initiatives, which district administrators noted is a key strategy for improving kindergarten readiness and long-term academic proficiency.

5. Board signs off on new textbook adoptions

SALINA, Kan. — Following a review process that began in September, the Salina Public Schools Board of Education unanimously approved the adoption of new textbooks for the upcoming academic year. An unidentified administrator presented the materials, which teacher committees from across the district had evaluated to ensure quality and alignment with state standards. The newly adopted curriculum materials will primarily impact career and technical education and English language learner programs.

6. Board approves nearly $1 million for wireless network replacement

SALINA, Kan. — The Salina Public Schools Board of Education unanimously approved a $917,580 equipment purchase from an unnamed vendor to replace the district's wireless network. The expenditure, passed as part of the board's consent agenda, represents a major infrastructure upgrade for the district's technology capabilities. The board also approved a separate $223,200 contract renewal with an unidentified provider for internet connectivity services.

7. District middle school slated for $100,000 parking lot renovation

SALINA, Kan. — The entrance and exit to an unnamed district middle school parking lot will undergo milling, repaving and striping following the Salina Public Schools Board of Education's approval of a $100,000 contract with an unspecified paving contractor. The infrastructure improvement was approved unanimously as part of the board's routine consent agenda.

8. Tentative 2027-2028 district calendar approved

SALINA, Kan. — Looking well into the future, the Salina Public Schools Board of Education unanimously approved the tentative school calendar for the 2027-2028 academic year. Superintendent Heath Hogan noted that the district traditionally works a year ahead on scheduling, utilizing a committee of more than 20 staff members to balance semesters and finalize start and end dates. The calendar will face a final approval vote next year.

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

Contact Us