HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson USD 308 Board of Education last night declined to take action on a suggestion to give the school district the option to have a two hour delay in classes rather than closing schools altogether in the event of inclement weather.
Superintendent Dr. Johnson reported on a recent survey sent to parents and staff which among other things asked what support there would be for a two hour delay option. 46% of respondents did not favor a late start while 39% were interested in a late start. Dr Johnson spoke of the different challenges of rural districts versus USD 308.
One factor that comes into play for the Hutchinson district is the very large number of students in USD 308 that receive free or reduced price meals. Most if not all districts in the area that go on a delay will cancel breakfast on those days.
Deputy Superintendent Krystal Young reported on attendance statistics from 2024-25 Parent Teacher Conferences. Conferences October 10th and January 30th. New this year, HMS8 offered virtual conferences in the morning and in-person conferences in the afternoon and evening hours which Hutchinson High School has been doing. Young said attendance was higher in the spring across the district.
Young reported on current hiring efforts to fill 2025-2026 school year vacancies. The district is attending multiple collegiate career fairs and interview days in the coming months and hosting interview days within the district. One common thread that she is hearing in the process is that people are hearing great things about Hutch from current employees.
As part of the personnel report, the Board approved hiring of three teachers, two at the elementary level and one for special education. It also accepted the retirement of Assistant Director of Special Education Sherri Hart effective June 30th and of Hutchinson Middle School-8 Physical Education teacher Jon McLean at the end of the school year, including his coaching positions for both middle schools.
Young also gave an update on the Safe & Secure Learning Environment committee.
