Takeaways from Salina USD 305 Education Board Meeting
Week of July 15, 2026
Grant, Gardner elected to board leadership roles
Board extends superintendent's contract
District approves significant facility maintenance contracts
District implements strict cell phone ban to comply with state law
Walk-in enrollment moved to South High School
District adopts ParentSquare app for school communications
Grant, Gardner elected to board leadership roles
SALINA, Kan. — The USD 305 Board of Education reorganized its leadership for the 2026-27 school year, unanimously re-electing Gabe Grant as board president. Board member Scott Gardner was also unanimously elected to serve as vice president. Both will serve in their respective roles until the next reorganization meeting in July 2027.
Board extends superintendent's contract
SALINA, Kan. — Following nearly 40 minutes of executive session, the board unanimously approved an extension and amendments to Superintendent Heath Hogan's employment contract. The specific financial terms and length of the amended contract were not discussed during the open session.
District approves significant facility maintenance contracts
SALINA, Kan. — Board members unanimously approved hundreds of thousands of dollars in facility maintenance contracts as part of Tuesday's consent agenda. Approved expenditures include $385,781 for a roof replacement at Lakewood Middle School, $320,088 for stucco and window repairs at Stewart Elementary and South High School, and $100,000 for heating, ventilation and air conditioning controls support.
District implements strict cell phone ban to comply with state law
SALINA, Kan. — The Board of Education unanimously approved updated student handbooks Tuesday, introducing a strict ban on personal electronic communication devices in all schools. Driven by the recently passed Kansas House Bill 2299, the new policy mandates that students may not use or access such devices during the school day. Devices brought to school will be confiscated and sent to the office, with repeat offenses requiring a parent or guardian to retrieve the device. The only exceptions are for documented medical or educational necessities.
Walk-in enrollment moved to South High School
SALINA, Kan. — Salina Public Schools announced a location change for the district's walk-in enrollment event, scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Traditionally held at Central High School, the event has been relocated to South High School due to summer construction at Central. Online enrollment remains open via Skyward through July 27.
District adopts ParentSquare app for school communications
SALINA, Kan. — The board unanimously approved a three-year contract with ParentSquare, shifting the district's primary digital communication platform away from School Messenger. Director of Communications Olivia Opat said the switch was necessary because School Messenger was purchased by a competitor and no longer integrates with the district's Skyward software. The new platform also ensures the district complies with Kansas House Bill 2299's requirements for district-owned, monitored digital communications between staff and students. The contract will cost the district $29,649 in its first year.
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