MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson USD 308 Board of Education has started the process of selecting a successor to Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson, who plans to retire at the end of the 2026-27 school year.
Representatives from ESSDACK outlined the search process during the board’s Sept. 14 meeting. The organization expects to post the position within days and begin gathering feedback from board members, district employees, parents and community members.
Search consultants said they have already spoken with prospective candidates and have seen strong interest in the Hutchinson position.
The district plans to distribute surveys through email, social media and other community channels. Paper and translated versions may also be offered. Consultants expect to visit district buildings and conduct staff focus groups during the next two weeks.
The feedback will be used to develop a profile describing the experience, leadership qualities and priorities the district wants in its next superintendent. That work is expected to be substantially completed by early October, while candidate recruitment and screening will continue throughout the month.
The tentative application deadline is Oct. 30. ESSDACK expects to provide board members with application materials and a comprehensive report before the board’s Nov. 9 meeting.
During that meeting, the board is expected to enter executive session to review candidates and select finalists. Interviews could begin later that week or the following week.
Board members discussed whether applicants should be required to have previous superintendent experience. Several members said district-level administrative experience is important but noted that an assistant superintendent in a large district could have experience comparable to that of a superintendent in a smaller district.
Consultants said the quality of the candidate and the scope of the candidate’s previous responsibilities may be more important than a particular job title.
A doctoral degree will likely be listed as preferred rather than required. The board also indicated that the successful candidate would generally be expected to live in the district.
ESSDACK recommended interviewing one finalist per day. That format would allow each candidate to tour district buildings, meet staff members and participate in a community reception before interviewing with the board.
Search consultants said they will conduct extensive reference checks, including contacting people who are not listed as formal references. Before recommending finalists, they also plan to confirm that candidates would accept the position under the district’s proposed salary, contract and residency requirements.
The board will discuss superintendent compensation, contract provisions and possible interview dates during its October meeting.
Johnson has served as USD 308 superintendent since July 2022. Her planned retirement will conclude a 34-year career in Kansas education.