MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
More than 3,700 students have enrolled in Hutchinson Public Schools as USD 308 prepares to begin the 2026-27 school year Wednesday.
Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson provided an enrollment update during Monday night's Board of Education meeting, reporting the district was at approximately 3,731 students.
Johnson compared that with a previous count-day figure of about 3,789 students and noted that enrollment remains a moving number as the district approaches the beginning of classes.
USD 308's official enrollment count day is Sept. 20.
District officials said approximately 90% to 91% of anticipated students had completed the enrollment process heading into the first day of school. Johnson said middle and high school enrollment can take longer to finalize because some students do not enroll until they arrive for the first day of classes.
Virtual school enrollment was projected at about 77 students. Midtown alternative school was also discussed during the meeting as having approximately 30 students.
One board member said the enrollment numbers were encouraging amid community discussion about whether the state's new restrictions on student cell phone use could lead some families to move students from district buildings into virtual education.
The board member said the early numbers did not appear to show that happening and expressed support for having students in district buildings when possible.
Johnson said the district will continue processing enrollments and monitoring the numbers leading up to the September count date.
The enrollment update comes as USD 308 completes preparations for the new school year.
Today is a teacher workday, with students in grades one through nine beginning classes Wednesday, Aug. 12.
Students in grades 10 through 12 begin Thursday, Aug. 13. The district is staggering the start for pre-K and kindergarten students to provide additional transition time for students and teachers.
District administrators also reported that 61 staff members participated in this year's New Teacher Institute.
The institute is designed for educators who are new to USD 308, including both first-year teachers and experienced educators coming to Hutchinson from other school districts.
Officials said the district used instructional coaches to provide more targeted training this year, including breakout sessions based on grade levels and teaching assignments. New teachers also spent time in their individual buildings learning procedures and preparing for the year.
About 12 of the new teachers are working in special education and received additional training specific to special education requirements and practices.
The district also provided professional development for returning staff covering curriculum, collaboration, Visible Learning, Safe and Civil Schools, mandated training and school improvement plans.
District officials said feedback from New Teacher Institute participants was positive, including from veteran educators who previously worked in other districts.
Administrators told the board that preparations are complete and staff members are ready to welcome students back to classrooms Wednesday.