Board approves $2.19 million contract for South Middle School roof repairs

Windstorm prompts nearly $216,000 in athletic equipment replacements

Board accepts $52,000 in grants for middle school arts and staff recruitment

Active shooter simulations removed from district crisis drills

District mandated to stock Narcan and epinephrine in all schools

Strict new absenteeism policy targets student walkouts

Enrollment rights expanded for foster care students

Board highlight points to future of faster state assessments

Board approves $2.19 million contract for South Middle School roof repairs

SALINA, Kan. — The USD 305 Board of Education unanimously approved a $2.19 million contract with Wray Roofing Inc. of Newton, Kansas, for extensive roof repairs and replacement at South Middle School. The significant infrastructure expense was necessitated by severe damage sustained during an April hailstorm. The $2,195,416 expenditure was passed 7-0 as part of the board's consent agenda.

Windstorm prompts nearly $216,000 in athletic equipment replacements

SALINA, Kan. — High school athletic programs in Salina will receive new equipment to replace items destroyed during a destructive June windstorm. The board unanimously authorized a $215,875 purchase from BSN Sports Inc. of Dallas to replace damaged track and field and baseball equipment at the district's high schools. The funds were approved without debate as part of the consent agenda.

Board accepts $52,000 in grants for middle school arts and staff recruitment

SALINA, Kan. — The district accepted more than $52,000 in local foundation funds to boost staff recruitment and middle school music programs. The board unanimously approved a $24,038 grant from the Earl Bane Foundation to purchase additional instruments for South Middle School. Additionally, the board accepted a $28,113 gift from the Salina Education Foundation aimed at funding recruitment strategies for the district.

Active shooter simulations removed from district crisis drills

SALINA, Kan. — Active shooter simulations will no longer be included in crisis drills at Salina public schools, following legislative changes outlined in a first reading of district policy revisions. Superintendent Heath Hogan noted that while emergency drill requirements remain in place, simulations have been specifically removed from the state's list of approved topics. The district expects further guidance from the Kansas State Department of Education by Oct. 1, 2026, which may introduce an opt-in model for discussing the topic with students.

District mandated to stock Narcan and epinephrine in all schools

SALINA, Kan. — Salina schools will now be required to keep stock supplies of naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, as well as epinephrine and albuterol for emergency medical situations. While the district already stocks Narcan in its buildings, the new policy makes it a universal requirement and introduces logistical challenges regarding expiration dates. Although Kansas law permits the use of Narcan up to 10 years past its printed expiration date, district officials noted that school nurses risk losing their licensure for dispensing expired medication, prompting a local policy requirement to replace the stock on or before the expiration date.

Strict new absenteeism policy targets student walkouts

SALINA, Kan. — The district is updating its attendance policy to strictly define unexcused absences, a move driven by state legislation designed to deter sanctioned or structured student walkouts. Superintendent Heath Hogan warned the board that failing to adhere to the strict recording of these absences could result in significant monetary fines for the district. Additionally, violations could cause the district to lose instructional hours counted toward the state's 1,116-hour minimum requirement.

Enrollment rights expanded for foster care students

SALINA, Kan. — Foster care students will experience an easier enrollment process following a legislative update to district policy reviewed by the board. The revised guidelines explicitly grant foster students the ability to enroll in USD 305 schools even if they currently reside outside of the district's geographical boundaries. The policy update also clarifies language regarding enrollment waiting periods for foreign exchange students.

Board highlight points to future of faster state assessments

SALINA, Kan. — During board reports, the potential future of state testing was highlighted via a pilot assessment program currently being tested in the Great Bend school district. Rather than administering a single test late in the year with results arriving in August, the pilot program administers assessments four times a year with a 72-hour turnaround for results. Board members expressed optimism about the model, noting it allows teachers to adjust their instruction in real time rather than finding out months later that students struggled with the curriculum.

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