8 takeaways from Salina USD 305 school board meeting
December 9 2025
1. Board extends Superintendent Hogan’s contract
2. Outgoing board member Jim Fletcher honored
3. Board approves $876,000 for Central High parking lot
4. District accelerates LED lighting projects to secure rebates
5. Evergy recognizes district for energy conservation
6. South High teacher named Master Teacher
7. Central High football team recognized for state title
8. Cross country teams achieve historic qualification
Board extends Superintendent Hogan’s contract
SALINA, Kan. - Following a ten-minute executive session, the board of education voted 6-0 to extend the contract of Superintendent Heath Hogan for one additional year, securing his leadership through June 30, 2029. During board reports, board member Paul Daily offered a strong endorsement of Hogan’s performance, stating he had conducted a "design of experiments" on a hypothesis presented by the superintendent. Daily told the board that the results affirmed they had "hired the right person to take us where we need to go."
Outgoing board member Jim Fletcher honored
SALINA, Kan. - The meeting marked the final regular session for board member Jim Fletcher, who did not seek re-election. Board President Gabe Grant recognized Fletcher for his eight years of service to the Salina community, students and staff. Fletcher was thanked for his tenure before the board moved into its final voting items for the calendar year.
Board approves $876,000 for Central High parking lot
SALINA, Kan. - As part of the consent agenda, the board approved a contract with Sunland Asphalt in the amount of $876,734.34. The project will cover the milling, repaving and striping of the parking lot at Central High School. The item was passed unanimously along with other routine financial reports and encumbrances without board discussion.
District accelerates LED lighting projects to secure rebates
SALINA, Kan. - The board voted unanimously to approve a $508,138 contract with ROI Energy to purchase and install light-emitting diode (LED) lighting at Central High School and Lakewood Middle School. District staff advised the board to expedite these projects to lock in current rebate incentives from Evergy, noting that the utility provider plans to reduce incentive amounts by 10 percent in the near future. The project is expected to offer a return on investment within seven years through energy savings.
Evergy recognizes district for energy conservation
SALINA, Kan. - During the lighting project presentation, it was reported that Evergy has produced a case study highlighting Salina Public Schools as the premier lighting conservation entity in the state for the year. Staff reported that recent retrofitting efforts have saved approximately 600,000 kilowatts annually, which equates to the energy consumption of roughly 50 households.
South High teacher named Master Teacher
SALINA, Kan. - During the superintendent’s report, it was announced that Kim Warren of South High School has been selected as the National Education Association (NEA) Salina Master Teacher. Warren was recognized alongside finalists Alicia Hampton (Sunset), Ryan Holmquist (Central High) and Jessica Steele (Cottonwood). The award highlights excellence in teaching within the district.
Central High football team recognized for state title
SALINA, Kan. - The board honored the Central High School football team, led by Coach Mark Sandbo, for securing the 2025 Class 5A state football championship. Superintendent Hogan and the board recognized the senior class athletes from the championship roster. Sandbo and the players were invited to the front of the room to receive congratulations for finishing their high school careers with the state title.
Greg Loving
Cross country teams achieve historic qualification
SALINA, Kan. - The board recognized the Central High School boys and girls cross country teams for a historic achievement during the fall season. For the first time since 1985, both the boys and girls teams qualified for the 5A state meet in the same year. The girls team finished eighth and the boys team finished ninth at the state competition. South High School cross country athletes were also recognized for their state-level competition.
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