HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System on Monday announced the hire of Penny Stoss as the Director of the HRHS Learning Academy, which is projected to launch in 2023.
In her new role, Stoss will be working closing with State agencies to develop the highest quality childcare academy available. She will report to Chief Executive Officer Ken Johnson and her temporary office is located inside of Administration. An Advisory Council of childcare experts will advise Stoss as she formulates plans to open the HRHS Learning Academy.
Stoss’ 30-plus-year background in education includes her most recent role as Assistant Superintendent and Curriculum Director of USD 309 Nickerson/South Hutchinson. She also served USD 418 McPherson as Director of Early Childhood and Building Principal, where she supervised a staff of 60.
Penny’s own education includes a Master’s in Educational Administration from Wichita State University, a Master’s in Education & Curriculum from Friends University, and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from McPherson College. When asked about her goals for the new unit, Stoss stated “Our goal will be to provide high quality childcare in an effort to remove a layer of stress from the lives of hard-working parents. The availability of childcare is an important factor in the retention and recruitment of good employees and Hutchinson Regional aspires to be in the forefront of providing those services. It is our goal to provide childcare services to the several hundred employees who are juggling their jobs with raising a family.”
In her off time, Stoss enjoys reading, gardening, spending time with her two grown children, her husband Steve and her dog.