MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
The USD 308 Board of Education reorganized Monday evening for the 2026-27 school year, electing new leadership, reviewing proposed student handbook changes, receiving an update on flood damage at Hutchinson Middle School 7, and discussing a potential bond proposal aimed at improving aging district facilities.
The board unanimously elected Lance Patterson to serve as board president and Glacia Mendez Rosario as vice president for the coming year.
Before approving the agenda, Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson outlined several changes, including the removal of an asset write-off item after staff determined the inventory list was incomplete. The board also added public participation because of the evening's bond discussion, a presentation on flood damage at Hutchinson Middle School 7, and an action item authorizing emergency elevator repairs at the school.
Student handbook updates
Director of Human Resources Cheryl Shrum presented the first reading of updates to district handbooks for the 2026-27 school year.
Among the most significant changes are revisions reflecting Kansas' new personal electronic communication device law. The district incorporated policy language into elementary, middle and high school handbooks while tailoring consequences to each building level. Midtown Learning Center will continue using stricter consequences designed for its student population, while virtual school students will only be required to store phones when visiting school buildings because the state law applies only to students attending in-person classes.
The district also added language referencing its new artificial intelligence policy in the student handbook, directing students and parents to the board policy for complete guidelines. Other changes include updates required for Head Start programs, increased tuition rates for Little Hawks childcare, and a new policy removing substitute teachers from the active list after 45 days of inactivity without communication. Those substitutes would be required to reapply before returning to work.
Board members suggested improving consistency among the various handbooks and clarifying portions of the district's tardy and discipline policies.
Flood damages HMS-7 elevator
The board also received an update on flood damage at Hutchinson Middle School 7 caused by a malfunctioning automatic toilet flush valve during the Independence Day holiday weekend.
Director of Grounds and Maintenance Keith Schroeder said the valve apparently stuck open sometime on Friday, July 3, allowing water to flow overnight. Water traveled down all four floors, eventually reaching the elevator shaft and damaging the elevator's operating system.
Phoenix Restoration has been drying the affected areas, while insurance adjusters are expected to review the damage. The most significant repair involves replacing the elevator's control panel and door operator, parts that are expected to take approximately four weeks to arrive once ordered.
The board unanimously approved spending up to $40,000 for emergency elevator repairs, allowing district staff to order parts immediately rather than waiting until the next scheduled board meeting later this month. District officials said the goal is to have the elevator operational before students return to school in August.
Board reviews new bond proposal
Much of Monday's meeting focused on a revised bond proposal that district officials say reflects feedback received after voters rejected a larger bond issue earlier this year.
Dr. Johnson said survey results showed residents wanted the district to focus on maintaining existing schools rather than constructing a new middle school. The revised proposal would concentrate on repairs and improvements throughout the district while avoiding new school construction.
The proposal includes approximately $36 million in projects, including storm shelters, gym additions at elementary schools that currently lack gymnasiums, roof replacements, safety and security improvements, restroom renovations, food service upgrades and interior building improvements. District officials also plan to continue additional maintenance projects through capital outlay funding.
Clayton Kelly of Piper Sandler, the district's financial advisor, presented two financing options, including 10-year and 12-year repayment plans. Officials said both options are designed to maintain the district's current overall mill levy by shifting mills from the bond and interest fund to the capital outlay fund, rather than increasing property taxes. They also noted the district could receive greater state aid for capital outlay projects by extending repayment to 12 years.
Board members discussed concerns about communicating the proposal to voters while emphasizing that delaying facility improvements would likely increase future construction costs.
Several members said the district has listened to residents' concerns following the previous bond election and believes the revised proposal better reflects community priorities by focusing on existing buildings, safety and essential maintenance rather than major new construction.
No action was taken Monday on calling a bond election. Board members continued discussing the proposal and the possibility of bringing a bond resolution forward at a future meeting.