MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON — Buhler School District Superintendent Cindy Couchman joined the KWBW Morning Show this week, offering a detailed look at how USD 313 makes winter weather decisions, prepares for the busy December season, collaborations with other Reno County districts, and plans for long-term enrollment changes.
Couchman explained that she routinely begins evaluating potential snow days around 4 a.m., driving roads across Buhler’s large district to determine travel conditions. She works closely with the National Weather Service, relying on storm timing, confidence levels and radar to know whether roads will be safe.
She said the district aims to make a call by 6 a.m., when buses begin warming up. But this week’s system—projected to hit around 7 a.m.—was especially challenging.
“That is one of the worst arrival times a storm can have for a school system,” Couchman said. “We really need to know by about 6 a.m. because our buses have to get on the road.”
Ultimately, decisions are made with student drivers in mind.
“When I make a decision to cancel school, I’m really making it for my inexperienced drivers who may be in a sedan with not-great tires,” she said. “We can always make up time, but we can’t make up a life.”
Couchman added that USD 313 now uses two-hour late starts more frequently, giving time for daylight, improved visibility and more accurate storm evaluation.
Operation Joy to Spark December Spirit
As the semester nears its end, Buhler students and staff are gearing up for Operation Joy, a districtwide celebration running Dec. 15–19. The entire district participates in themed dress-up days such as Light-Up Day and Ugly Sweater Day.
The Buhler Education Foundation also donates daily prizes for staff, ranging from small classroom items to electronics, blankets and gift cards.
Reno County Districts Unite for January Training Day
Looking ahead, all Reno County public and private schools will come together on January 5 for “All Hands on Deck,” a countywide professional development day hosted at Hutchinson Community College and the Sports Arena.
LINK: "All Hands on Deck" to return in 2026
The featured speaker will be Kim Bearden, co-founder of the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, known nationally for her work in student engagement and leadership.
Couchman said the event, coordinated by representatives from each district, is only held every other year and has become a valuable collaborative tradition.
Declining Birth Rates Raise Long-Term Planning Concerns
Couchman also addressed a topic affecting districts statewide: declining enrollment tied to falling birth rates.
Reno County births have dropped from 762 in 2010 to 655 in 2023, a shift that is now beginning to affect kindergarten class sizes. Historically, about 22% of county births eventually enroll in USD 313 five years later—a percentage that has held surprisingly steady.
“Our upper grades have 170 to 185 students, but our younger grades are closer to 135 to 150,” she said. “As those larger classes graduate, we’re going to feel the impact.”
Couchman emphasized that Buhler is not in crisis, but is taking proactive steps to avoid future staffing or financial strain.
“We’re trying to ‘right-size’ the district,” she said. “Every time a position opens, we take a careful look at whether the numbers justify filling it. We want long-term stability.”
Buhler Ed Foundation Bringing Back Dueling Pianos
Couchman also promoted the return of the Buhler Education Foundation’s Dueling Pianos fundraiser, set for January 23 at the 1861 Club. The $80 ticket includes dinner, beverages, auctions and an evening of entertainment, with Couchman and local principals even stepping in as guest bartenders. Tickets are available through the district website.
LINK: Buhler Education Foundation to host 'Dueling Pianos'
A Busy Season and a Bright Outlook
Couchman closed the interview by wishing families a joyful holiday season and expressing excitement for the months ahead.
“We have great things happening in Buhler, and we’re grateful for our community’s support,” she said.