The Hutchinson School Board was recognized for its work as part of School Board Recognition Month during its meeting Monday, Jan. 14, 2014. Unlike many states, locally elected Kansas school board members receive no pay for their work yet spend many hours each month on behalf of students.

During her superintendent comments, Dr. Shelly Kiblinger recognized the board and thanked them for their service. Additionally, members Sarah Blake, Kent Hilst, Mike Mendoza and Jeff Nichols received Boardsmanship certificates for having gone through training from the Kansas Association of School Boards. Kiblinger also received a certificate for having gone through KASB training.

Kiblinger also told the board that USD 308 would be one of 32 districts in Kansas to pilot a new accreditation model for the Kansas Department of Education.

Additionally, Community Budget Committee meetings have been set for Feb. 4, Feb. 18, March 4 and April 15 from 5:30 to 8:30 p-m, at the Professional Learning Center at Hutchinson High School. For the second consecutive year, the district will gain input from the community, students and staff to make recommendations to the board on the district’s budget.

The board also received the enrollment audit report from the state. The audit showed the district had an additional 17.8 full-time equivalent students for 2012-13.

Also during Monday’s meeting, the board voted 4-3 to proceed with improvements at the district’s athletic fields at 23rd and Severance as well as related concrete work at the facility.

At its December meeting, the board looked at bids on the project, which came in at about $641,000. They tabled the matter in December, wanting to get more input. Among other things, the proposal would have built permanent restrooms, improved equipment storage and locker rooms.