HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The unaudited head count enrollment in Hutchinson Public Schools dropped about 300 students in 2016-17, the school board learned during its regular meeting Monday. That was the day the count was filed with the Kansas State Board of Education.

Even before the year began, district officials had forecast less enrollment in 2016-17 because of a large graduating class in 2016 and indications the incoming kindergarten class would be smaller.

During her report to the board, Superintendent Dr. Shelly Kiblinger said the district, however, has seen fewer students at all levels. Some out-of-district students chose not to attend another USD 308 school when boundary changes were made, but that only accounted for a small percentage of the drop.

They also learned the district no longer has any schools on the state or federal priority or focus lists for needing academic improvement. Lincoln and McCandless had been on the lists, and Faris had been in danger of getting on the lists. The district learned that despite the more rigorous state testing, no district schools were on the lists.

During the Oct. 24 board study session, members will focus on state achievement results.

Also during Monday’s meeting approved salary for Dr. Kiblinger for 2016-17, however no specifics were released.