MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Hutchinson Public Schools USD 308 Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson and Director of Communications Stacy Goss joined the KWBW Morning Show on Thursday to discuss key legislative issues impacting schools, upcoming professional development efforts, and community events scheduled after winter break.
Dr. Johnson said the district is closely monitoring several education-related bills during the current Kansas legislative session. One proposal would require school districts statewide to delay the start of the academic year until after Labor Day. USD 308 currently brings teachers back in mid-August for professional development, with students returning later that week.
Johnson said a mandated later start date would significantly affect district calendar planning, which is already underway through a committee that includes parents, teachers, administrators, and association representatives.
“If that bill were to pass after our calendar is already approved, we may have to reconvene the committee and make adjustments,” Johnson said.
Goss added that a delayed start could create challenges for families, particularly around childcare and scheduling during late summer weeks when many programs have already ended.
Another bill under consideration would shorten the required waiting period for retired educators to return to work. Johnson explained that the current waiting period is 180 days, up from 60 days several years ago. Reducing that timeframe could help districts address ongoing teacher shortages, though she emphasized there are still strict rules governing post-retirement employment.
“There are laws in place to prevent pre-arranged retire-and-return agreements, and we follow those closely,” Johnson said.
Johnson also addressed the future of Kansas’ school funding formula, which is set to sunset in 2027. The current formula includes a base state aid per pupil along with weighted funding for factors such as transportation and at-risk students. While discussions are underway among state leaders, Johnson said no specific changes have been proposed yet.
“There are a lot of nuances to school finance,” she said. “If I were betting, it may end up looking very similar, simply because of how complex it is.”
Looking ahead to January, Johnson and Goss highlighted the upcoming Reno County-wide professional development day on January 5, hosted in partnership with Hutchinson Community College. Teachers from districts across the county will gather for collaborative training sessions, with USD 308 holding its own professional development day on January 6. Students are scheduled to return to classes on January 7.
The district also announced its fourth annual Kids Night and Pack the Sack Food Drive on January 9 during home basketball games. Donations will benefit the Reno County Food Bank, and the first 500 children who bring an item will receive a free T-shirt.
Johnson praised the strong collaboration among Reno County school districts, noting that superintendents meet regularly to share ideas and problem-solve.
“We have great working relationships here,” she said. “At the end of the day, we’re all trying to do what’s best for students and the community.”