Holton Unified School District 336

Understanding School Staffing, Class Size, and Budget Planning in Holton

In recent weeks, questions have surfaced regarding the district’s budget and possible staffing adjustments at the elementary level. Some have expressed concern that reducing teaching positions could significantly increase class sizes.

Concerns about class size, especially in early grades, are understandable. Parents want classrooms where their children feel known, supported, and able to learn. That priority is shared by the educators who serve Holton students every day. At the same time, it is helpful to understand how staffing decisions are made and what the current numbers look like in our schools.

Current Class Sizes

Holton Elementary has historically targeted class sizes between 17 and 20 students. Due to recent enrollment declines, many current classes are smaller than that range, typically 12 to 17 students.

When a grade level becomes particularly small, the district may adjust the number of sections offered to balance classrooms and use resources responsibly. Based on current projections, those adjustments would likely result in:

• Most elementary classes ranging from 14 to 19 students
• One grade level potentially reaching around 22 students

These numbers remain within typical Kansas class-size ranges, which often fall between 20 and 25 students.

At the secondary level, most classes range from 14 to 20 students, though a small number of elective courses may occasionally reach 28 students or more. In those cases, additional instructional support may be present.

How Staffing Decisions Are Made

Staffing decisions are based on enrollment, state funding, program needs, class size distribution, and long-term financial stability.

District leaders first determine how many positions can responsibly be supported based on enrollment and funding. Building leaders then organize staff to best serve students. When enrollment drops significantly within a grade level, adjusting the number of sections may be necessary.

Simply put, staffing decisions follow student enrollment and available funding.

What Research Says About Class Size

Research shows smaller classes can support learning environments, especially in early grades where students benefit from individual attention. However, decades of research show class size is only one factor influencing student learning.

Education researcher Dr. John Hattie, who analyzed more than 800 studies involving over 80 million students, found that the quality of instruction and strong teacher–student relationships often have an even greater impact on student success.

Key factors linked to learning include clear instruction, meaningful feedback, strong teacher–student relationships, high expectations, and collaboration among teachers.

Why Staffing Is Being Reviewed

Holton experienced a drop of 68 students from the 2024–25 school year to the 2025–26 school year, roughly the size of one grade level.

Because Kansas school funding is tied to enrollment and weighted student categories, declining enrollment reduces district revenue. When student numbers drop, staffing levels must adjust accordingly. This is being done through attrition -- not rehiring positions after staff resign or retire, and then moving people to remaining open positions.

Last year the district reduced three positions, including one administrative role. This year the district is reviewing the possibility of closing up to six positions based on enrollment.

How School Funding Works

A large portion of school funding is categorical, meaning it must legally be spent on programs such as special education, transportation, food services, and facility needs. These funds cannot simply be redirected elsewhere such as staffing salaries.

Like most school districts, the largest portion of Holton’s budget supports people who work directly with students and athletes with 80% of the current budget spend on staffing/coaching salaries.

Planning for the Future

The district is working on several efforts to strengthen enrollment and financial stability, including pursuing early childhood grant funding, exploring a district-run virtual learning program, and reviewing feedback from families who have left the district.

A Final Thought

Holton has long been a community that values strong schools. Maintaining that strength requires thoughtful planning, open communication, and responsible stewardship of public resources.

District leaders remain committed to listening to families and staff while making decisions that protect strong learning opportunities for students today and into the future. Please realize, while leaders empathize with each concern, many results are still based on constraints outside the control of the district.

Together, we can ensure Holton schools continue serving students and the community well.

Click Here: These slides contain in depth information reviewed by staff March 11, 2026.

😎 Spring Break is here!

Public access is closed while staff may be on site working on projects.

Have a safe and fun week! 🌴

Dear Elementary Parents and Families,

We want to provide another update following the waterline break earlier this week.

The restoration company working in the building has let us know that the industrial dehumidifiers and fans must continue running until noon tomorrow to fully dry the affected areas. Because of the noise, equipment, and continued restoration work, the building will not be ready for students.

As a result, there will be no school for Kindergarten through 5th grade at HES on Friday, March 13.

Please note the following:

• K–5 students: No school Friday, March 13

• Elementary staff: Please report to the building as usual

• Tiny Paws Daycare and Preschool: These programs will operate as normal

• HMS & HHS: These buildings will be in session operating as normal

Our staff and maintenance teams have worked incredibly hard throughout this situation, and we appreciate the patience and support of our families as we ensure classrooms are safe and ready for students.

Thank you for your understanding.

Trevor W. Ashcraft
Superintendent

_________

Estimados padres y familias de la escuela primaria:

Queremos brindar otra actualización después de la ruptura de la tubería de agua a principios de esta semana.

La compañía de restauración que está trabajando en el edificio nos informó que los deshumidificadores industriales y los ventiladores deben continuar funcionando hasta el mediodía de mañana para secar completamente las áreas afectadas. Debido al ruido, el equipo y el trabajo continuo de restauración, el edificio no estará listo para recibir a los estudiantes.

Como resultado, no habrá clases para Kindergarten a 5.º grado en HES el viernes 13 de marzo.

Por favor tenga en cuenta lo siguiente:
• Estudiantes de K–5: No habrá clases el viernes 13 de marzo
• Personal de primaria: Por favor preséntese al edificio como de costumbre
• Tiny Paws Daycare y Preschool: Estos programas operarán con normalidad
• HMS y HHS: Estos edificios tendrán clases y operarán con normalidad

Nuestro personal y los equipos de mantenimiento han trabajado incansablemente durante esta situación, y agradecemos la paciencia y el apoyo de nuestras familias mientras nos aseguramos de que las aulas estén seguras y listas para los estudiantes.

Gracias por su comprensión.

Trevor W. Ashcraft
Superintendente

Dear Elementary Parents and Families,

Today our elementary staff stepped up in an incredible way. Teachers and support staff worked side by side throughout the day helping with cleanup, moving materials, and preparing temporary classroom spaces after the waterline break. Their willingness to jump in and do whatever was needed speaks volumes about the dedication they have for our students.

Even with that strong effort, the amount of water that entered several classrooms requires more time for drying, restoration, and safe preparation of learning spaces.

Because of this, there will again be no school tomorrow for students in Kindergarten through 5th grade.

Please note the following:

• K–5 students: No school tomorrow

• Elementary staff (including classified): Please report to the building as usual

• Tiny Paws Daycare and Preschool: These programs will operate as normal

• HMS & HHS: These buildings will be in session operating as normal

Our team will continue working to restore classrooms and finalize room moves where needed. Our goal is to have students back in the building on Friday, and we will communicate again if anything changes.

Thank you for your patience and support as we work through this unexpected situation. We are grateful for a staff that cares deeply and steps up for kids.

Trevor W. Ashcraft
Superintendent | 336

Dear Elementary Parents and Families,

This evening, we experienced a waterline break at the elementary building. Our maintenance team responded quickly and has already repaired the line.

However, a significant amount of water entered several classrooms. Because of the cleanup and drying that still needs to take place, we will not have school tomorrow for students in Kindergarten through 5th grade.

Please note the following:

• K–5 students: No school tomorrow

• Elementary staff (including classified): Please report to the building as usual

• Tiny Paws Daycare and Preschool: These programs will operate as normal

• HMS & HHS: These buildings will be in session operating as normal

Our team will be working throughout the day to ensure classrooms are safe and ready for students to return on Thursday. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we take care of the building.

Thank you for your flexibility and support.

Trevor W. Ashcraft
Superintendent | USD 336

Tuesday, March 10th - New Healthier Lunch option
Lasagna

Celebrating Holton Student Artists!

We’re proud to share that several Holton students have been selected to represent their schools in the Kansas Youth Art Month Exhibition this year.

Holton Elementary School
• Murphy Shupe, 4th Grade – Día de los Muertos Collage
Student of Addeea Luttrell

Holton Middle School
• Elsie Harris, 8th Grade – Mixed Media
Student of Nate Cunningham

Holton High School
• Chloe Schuster, 12th Grade – Mixed Media
Student of Katie Morris

The Kansas Youth Art Month Exhibition will be on display at the Topeka Shawnee County Public Library through March 28.

A Youth Art Month reception and celebration hosted by the Kansas Art Education Association will take place at the library on Saturday, March 28, from 11:00 AM–2:30 PM, with awards beginning at 1:00 PM.
Youth Art Month is celebrated each March to highlight the importance of art education and to recognize the creativity and talent of students across the country. Art programs help students develop creativity, critical thinking, and new ways of expressing their ideas and perspectives.

Congratulations to these talented students and thank you to the teachers who help nurture creativity in our schools!