MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 is reviewing its spending plans after its official Sept. 20 enrollment count showed 3,929 students, down 172 from 4,101 last year.
Superintendent Dawn Johnson told the Board of Education on Monday that a smaller incoming kindergarten class accounts for much of the decline. The district’s graduating class had 357 students, while this year’s kindergarten class has 242 — a difference of 115.
Johnson said Kansas funding rules allow the district to use a prior year’s enrollment count for part of its budget, cushioning the immediate effect. However, the lower count can still affect funding tied to student characteristics, including the district’s general fund and local option budget. Administrators plan to review spending this year and develop recommendations for the next budget.
The board also heard an early reading update. Curriculum officials said 51% of incoming kindergarten students tested on level, compared with 41% two years ago. For kindergarten and first grade combined, 38% tested on level. Officials said they are examining how summer learning loss and higher expectations at the start of first grade affect the results.
In other business, the board voted 5-0 to approve a $132,611 replacement for its security video storage system. Technology staff said the current system, purchased in 2019, is nearing its storage and support limits.
The board also voted 5-0 to seek construction manager at risk proposals from Wiens Construction, Hutton Construction and Simpson Construction for the district’s bond project. Officials hope to select a company at the Oct. 26 board meeting. Public bond information meetings are planned for Oct. 7 and 14 at Hutchinson Middle School 7, and Oct. 21 and 28 at the Career and Technical Education building.
Board members unanimously approved an elementary teacher recruitment initiative aimed at hiring six December graduates. District officials said grant funding could cover positions at four of the six schools involved.
The board approved a K-12 parent and family engagement policy as part of its consent agenda. Members also encouraged participation in surveys for the superintendent search. Officials reported 133 employee responses and 83 community responses as of Monday’s meeting.