MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A committee tasked with evaluating whether Hutchinson High School should switch from its long-standing trimester schedule to a semester-based calendar and could present its findings to the Hutchinson USD 308 Board of Education in August.
Hutchinson High Principal Ryan Ewy outlined the plan during Monday evening’s board meeting, emphasizing that no decision has been made and the process is focused on gathering data and input.
If the board ultimately decides to move to a semester system, Ewy said the earliest it could realistically be implemented would be the 2027–28 school year.
“There is no way we could ever make that change for August,” Ewy said.
Review process underway
The committee—comprised of high school staff and district administrators—will begin its work in April, analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of both trimester and semester systems. An update is scheduled for May, followed by additional meetings over the summer and a final report in August.
Ewy said the final report is not expected to include a recommendation unless the board specifically requests one, but instead will provide comprehensive information to guide the board’s decision.
“This isn’t something we just started looking at,” Ewy told the board, noting years of research and data collection have already gone into the effort.
Four key focus areas
The committee will examine four primary areas:
- Student rigor: including instructional time, credits, graduation requirements, grades and GPA
- Student experience: including discipline, attendance and failure rates
- Programs and pathways: including Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, concurrent credit and career pathways
- Staffing, operations and logistics: including staffing needs, scheduling and planning
District officials said Hutchinson High’s extensive course offerings—particularly its career and technical education pathways—will be an important factor in the review.
Nearly 30 years of trimesters
Hutchinson High switched from a semester system to a trimester schedule in 1997. Today, it is one of only two schools in Kansas still using trimesters, along with Council Grove. Most other districts, including Emporia, have returned to semesters in recent years.
Board President Lance Patterson said the review is timely after nearly three decades under the current model.
“I think we owe it to everybody to ask the question,” Patterson said, noting the importance of determining whether the current system is still the best fit for students.
Board member Tad Dower echoed that sentiment, recalling the uncertainty when the district originally transitioned to trimesters nearly 30 years ago.
Community input to be included
Board member Lindsey Hatfield raised concerns about the initial committee not including parents, noting strong opinions are likely within the community.
Following discussion, Ewy said the district plans to incorporate parent feedback, including a potential survey to gather input.
Administrators also indicated they may use existing groups, such as site councils, to engage families in the process.
Timeline and next steps
The evaluation will follow a structured timeline:
- April: Committee research and analysis
- May: Update to the Board of Education
- Summer: Continued meetings and additional data collection
- August: Final report to the board
District leaders emphasized that the review is intended to provide a clear, balanced look at both systems, allowing board members to make an informed decision about the future of Hutchinson High’s academic calendar.