MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
The local Board of Education held its annual reorganization meeting Monday evening, electing new leadership, reviewing upcoming budget deadlines, and approving salary increases ahead of the new school year.
The meeting began with the election of Lance as board president and another member as vice president. Both positions were approved by unanimous votes, with the newly elected president immediately taking over proceedings.
New Human Resources Director Julie Strong introduced herself to the board, sharing her extensive background in education, from early childhood through community college administration. “Education is my passion,” Strong said. “The one thing I want people to say when I walk away is that I had the students’ best interests at heart.”
Superintendent Dr. Johnson outlined important upcoming dates, including the district’s convocation event set for August 6, where staff will gather ahead of the first day of classes. Online enrollment is now open, and the district is continuing to accept applications for out-of-district students, with nine new students approved so far.
Abby Grant, the district’s Director of Finance, presented the budget timeline for the 2025-2026 school year. The board plans to hold its building needs assessment and set hearings for the revenue neutral rate at the August 11 meeting. Final budget approval is anticipated by the August 25 meeting, with the state deadline for budget submission set for September 20.
Board members also received an update from the bond executive committee, which has been working to prepare the community for an upcoming bond issue aimed at improving district facilities and learning environments.
In action items, the board unanimously approved district handbooks for the 2025-2026 school year, which now include an updated cell phone and earbud policy. They also approved administrative and classified salary increases totaling approximately $480,000. This means classified staff wages will see an average raise of about 4 percent, bringing the starting hourly wage to over $16 for many positions — a move board members said is crucial for retention and recruitment.
“We want our staff to feel appreciated and able to make a livable wage,” one board member noted, adding that the district is nearly fully staffed for paraprofessionals, custodial, and food service roles. A few elementary teacher positions remain open, but administrators expressed optimism about filling them before the start of classes.
The board wrapped up its meeting with updates on the transition to publishing legal notices in the Hutchinson Tribune once it begins regular print publication. Board members thanked staff for clear communication to families about enrollment and start times.
The next regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for July 28. .