HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The USD 308 School Board Monday evening approved a 1.63 percent increase in pay for classified employees after a brief executive session. The increase is similar to one given teachers in the recently approved negotiated agreement between the district and NEA-Hutchinson. Pay for administrators will be set at a meeting later this summer.

The Hutchinson board also approved increasing licensed substitute pay by $3 per day.

They also approved an inter-agency agreement with United Way of Reno County. At its May 12 meeting, the board received a report about a new partnership that will bring new services to students at Avenue A Elementary School. The initiative with United Way will create a neighborhood center at Avenue A. The center will provide additional community resources for Avenue A families in the southwest Hutchinson neighborhood.

They also approved resolutions allowing the district to refinance a portion of its 2006 bond issue. The refinancing will save district taxpayers more than $400,000.