The USD 308 Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education held its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, August 25, approving all agenda items, including the district’s 2025–26 budget.
Budget and Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing
Ahead of the meeting, the Board held its annual Revenue Neutral Rate and Budget Hearings. Superintendent Dawn Johnson noted that the total mill levy will remain unchanged at 52.418 mills—the lowest since 2008–09. By comparison, the levy peaked at 60.183 mills in 2013–14.
Johnson added that the difference between the current levy and the 2013–14 peak is greater than the estimated five mills that would be needed to fund proposed bonds for a new middle school and elementary improvements on the November ballot.
Finance Director Abby Stockebrand explained that, despite the unchanged rate, the levy will raise more money than last year due to increased property values. No members of the public spoke during the budget hearing.
The mill levy breakdown includes 20 mills in the general fund, 15.858 in the supplemental general fund, 14.948 in the bond and interest fund, and 1.612 in the capital outlay fund.
New Principals Introduced
The Board also welcomed four new school leaders:
• Emily Moore – Principal, Lincoln-McCandless Elementary
• Christina Swedburg – Vice Principal, Lincoln-McCandless Elementary
• Tim Porter – Vice Principal and Middle School Athletics Director, HMS8
• Jaime Tilton – Principal, Faris Elementary
Each spoke briefly about their passion for education and their excitement to join the Hutchinson community.
Early Release for Homecoming Parade
The Board approved a one-hour early release for Homecoming on Friday, September 26. The parade, which moved to a new route last year, will again run along North Plum to 11th Street, ending at the Stringer Fine Arts Center.
Feedback from parents, students, and staff was overwhelmingly positive about the new route, which keeps high school students closer to campus and allows younger students and families time to secure good viewing spots.
Homecoming festivities will include the traditional student council activities, spirit week events, and the Alumni Association’s Wall of Honor presentation on Thursday, September 25. The week concludes with the Hutchinson High School varsity football team facing the Salina South Cougars at 7:00 p.m. in Gowans Stadium.
Other Business
The personnel report was approved without changes, and Gold Cards—providing free admission to regular-season athletic events—remain available at the Administration Center. All USD 308 employees also receive free entry with their district badge.
The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 8, at 6:00 p.m. at the USD 308 Administration Center, 1520 N. Plum.