Hutchinson Public Schools is accepting nominations for its 2025–26 Classified Employee of the Year, Certified Employee of the Year and the Davis Foundation Educator of the Year awards.
District officials said Salthawk staff play a critical role in the success of the school system, carrying out daily operations, educating students and providing a supportive learning environment. The awards are intended to recognize employees whose skills, dedication and commitment support the district’s mission of educating and empowering every student for life.
Certified staff eligible for nomination include teachers, social workers, special education teachers, nurses and other licensed professionals. Classified staff include secretaries, para-educators, custodians, nurses and other support personnel.
Anyone may submit nominations for the Classified Employee of the Year and Certified Employee of the Year awards, including staff members, students, parents and community partners. The Certified Employee of the Year honor is separate from the Davis Teacher of the Year and the Kansas State Department of Education’s Kansas Teacher of the Year awards.
In addition, the district is seeking nominations for the James A. and Juliet L. Davis Foundation Educator of the Year award. This honor is open to outstanding classroom teachers currently serving in Hutchinson Public Schools. Administrators and non-teaching personnel are not eligible. Past recipients may not be nominated for five years following their selection.
The Davis Foundation selection process includes a review of nominations by a committee designated by the foundation’s trustees. Finalists will be interviewed, and winners will be announced at the district’s opening convocation in August 2026. Each selected teacher will receive a $4,000 cash award.
The Davis Foundation awards are organized by teaching level — elementary, middle school and high school — to ensure recognition across all grade levels.
All nominations are due by Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. The names of nominators will remain confidential.
Nominations can be submitted online at www.usd308.com/eoy
.