Northcentral Kansas

Abilene Public Schools, USD 435

District Classification: 4A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 1,000-1,499
Counties served: Dickinson County
Located at the north end of the Chisholm Trail Cattle Drive from the 1800s, the boy-hood home of the 34th President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower, is rich with historical significance.

The 21st Century Abilene, supports for two major manufacturing business, Russell Stover Chocolate and Great Plains Manufacturing. There are also several smaller manufacturers. Other businesses include several well-known fast food and locally-owned restaurants.

The City of Abilene has a population of approximately 6,000, but its location at the crossroads of Interstate 70 and Highway 15 places it less than 20 minutes from Junction City, less than 30 minutes from Salina, less than 45 minutes to Manhattan, less than 90 minutes to Wichita and less than 2 hours from Kansas City.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 10-19

Current Incentives for teacher candidates:
Abilene has provided financial incentives for successful candidates who are needing to complete transition to teaching programs. Some hard-to-fill positions may also warrant a signing bonus which will solidify a commitment to Abilene Schools by the newly hired teacher.

District’s current salary schedule:
Abilene Schools has a competitive teacher salary schedule with significant increases for additional professional learning and experience. Abilene teachers begin the 2024-2025 school year between $42,900 and $75,000.

District’s Mentoring Program:
Abilene Schools has developed an intra-district mentor program where experienced teachers in USD #435 routinely meet with new or relatively new teachers to ensure a successful start for a long career in education.

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info:
Abilene Schools

Barnes Hanover Linn, USD 223

District Classification: 1A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 500-999
Counties served: Washington County
The district has 2 high schools and 2 elementary schools. Our students excel academically and in extracurricular activities. Our families and communities are very much invested in their schools.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates:
USD 223 offers individual health plans, comparable pay scales, coaching opportunities for some of the best teams in the state, employee incentive plans, small class sizes, excellent students, employee incentive program and a host of other opportunities.

District’s current salary schedule:
Payroll Schedule

District’s Mentoring Program:
USD 223 provides a state approved mentoring program for new teachers for 2 years. This mentoring plan involves daily check-ins when desired.

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info:
Barnes Hanover Linn School District

Beloit, USD 273

District Classification: 3A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 500-999
Counties served: Cloud County, Jewell County, Mitchell County, Ottawa County

Beloit is a progressive community located in North Central Kansas. Waconda Lake is less than 15 minutes away for those that like fishing and other water sports. Beloit has a very nice 9 hole watered fairway golf course. The pay scale and benefits at Beloit are competitive with North Central Kansas and most of Kansas.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 10-19

Current Incentives for teacher candidates:
Competitive wages and benefits.

District’s current salary schedule:
Starting pay is $41,500

District’s Mentoring Program:
USD 273 - Beloit will set you up with a mentor teacher in the Beloit School District. The program is ran by the Smokey Hill Education Service Center.

District’s recruitment video:
www.usd273.org

Contact Info:
Beloit School District

Clay County Schools, USD 379

District Classification: 4A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 1,000-1,499
Counties served: Clay County
Clay County Unified School District No. 379 is a public school district serving the people of Clay County, Kansas, and surrounding area. It shall be the purpose of USD 379 to educate students to be life-long learners and to be upstanding and contributing members of their communities. This mission is to be the focus of elected board members, the administration, the instructional staff, and the support staff of our district.

Highways and access to larger metropolitan areas and recreational areas play a key role in the economic vitality of a community. Clay County is blessed with many of these assets. Two major highways run through Clay County. These are key arteries that can serve to maintain and stimulate new business opportunities for travelers and transportation.
The district is a county-wide school district covering 632 sq. miles and has a 4A and 1A school system located in Clay Center and Wakefield. Wakefield is a K-12 building that is located next to Milford Lake. Clay Center has four buildings that serve students in grades PK-12. Lincoln Elementary houses grades PK-3; Garfield Elementary houses grades 4-5; CCCMS serves our middle school students in grades 6-8 and CCCHS serves our 9th-12th grade students. We have around 1300 students. 43% of our students are eligible for free/reduced meals. Our teacher to pupil ratio is 1:13 which is behind the state average of 1:14.9

We have 128 teachers, 400 total staff; 7 counselors; 59% of our staff have Masters Degrees or higher and we are participants in the Kansas Teacher of the Year program.

We have strong partnerships with Grow Clay County, our Community Businesses, and our local Emergency Team.

What is unique about us? We have a strong fine arts program, a robust work based learning program for grades 9-12, dual credit options for our high school students, technology access for grades PK-12; many courses/classes based on student interest. Finally, we are the host district of the special ed cooperative- Twin Lakes Educational Cooperative.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates:
USD 379 offers a competitive salary schedule with a base of $44,721 which ranks 2nd in the region. We also offer $774 towards BCBSKS Health Insurance; beginning teacher mentor program; paid personal and sick leave; $25,000 life insurance policy; exceptional Employee Assistance Program (counseling, mental health, legal advice/forms, family resources, etc); district activity passes; signing bonuses; if applicable to current need of a specific program we are willing to reimburse for graduate credits earned.

We also take great pride in our professional development that we offer to not only the entire district, but based on individual needs and growth. Finally, we have opportunities for leadership and growth within our USD 379 teams. This includes technology, wellness, curriculum/instruction, district and building leadership, and building investigation teams.

District’s current salary schedule:
Our base is $44,721. We allow for movement based on college credits earned and other negotiated movement as well.

District’s Mentoring Program:
USD 379 offers a two year mentoring program, with an optional third year if desired by the new teacher. The first year includes 62 hours of mentoring with one of our exceptional veteran teachers. We select the best match for you and could potentially set up two different mentors to meet your needs. Along with the mentoring in the first year, there is a series of professional learning opportunities that all first year teachers engage in throughout the school year. It is driven by research, effective methods for the classroom, and reflections from our new teachers. The favorite sessions include checking for understanding and our teacher panel.

In year two, you are assigned a mentor for 31 hours and also given the opportunity to select a personalized professional development opportunity off-site. We encourage the networking and learning that can take place outside of our walls and school day. Our teachers come back eager to share what they have learned!
If a third year of mentoring is desired, we are here to support you on that journey as well!

District’s recruitment video:
Recruitment Video

Contact Info:
Clay County Schools

Ell-Saline, USD 307

District Classification: 2A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 499 or less
Counties served: Ellsworth County, Saline County
USD 307 Ell-Saline sits just West of Salina. Our Elementary School is one mile West and our Middle/High School and District Office is located 12 miles West in Brookville, Kansas. We offer a friendly learning/working environment focused on allowing teachers the flexibility and autonomy to teach to the individual needs of their students and classes. We are one-to-one chromebooks 3rd Grade through Seniors and one-to-one iPads Kindergarten to 2nd Grade. We have recently adopted new curriculum in our core classes and will continue to provide our staff with up-to-date curricula.

Our school board, community and patrons strongly support our schools and make Ell-Saline a great place to work. The Cardinal Parent-Teacher Association and the Middle/High School Booster Club help provide resources and support for many activities for our students and staff. The Cardinal Foundation is a community supported organization that provides grants to our teachers to help enhance the learning environment in their classrooms. The Brookville Community Foundation is currently working to beautify our town by remodeling our city playground, adding a splashpad for our children and building a new fire department facility to help keep our community safe. The foundation donated a new video scoreboard and sound system for our stadium just last year.

We invite you to visit with us and learn more about our small district that truly cares about our students and staff.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates:
District Paid Health Benefit up to $600 per month. Currently our BC/BS Health Insurance is under $600 per month so there is zero cost our of pocket.
$70 per month contributed toward the district 403b program for each teacher as part of a longevity program.
Thirteen leave days accumulative to 60 days. The district does not distinguish between sick and personal days.
$1000 Employment Incentive
Teacher friendly calendar with 165 Student Days and 181 Teacher Contract Days.

District’s current salary schedule:
Payroll Schedule

District’s Mentoring Program:
Our district currently provides teacher mentoring services through the Smokyhill Service Center in Salina.

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info:
Ell-Saline School District

Ellsworth/Kanopolis/Geneseo, USD 327

District Classification: 3A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 500-999
Counties served: Ellsworth County
USD 327 is home of the Bearcats! The District is made up of three attendance centers - Ellsworth Elementary, Kanopolis Middle and Ellsworth Junior/Senior High School. We are a small 3A district and a member of the NCAA League. The District is a member of the Central Kansas Cooperative for Special Education Services (USD 305 Salina).
Ellsworth Elementary School (EES) is located in Ellsworth. Approximately 200 students in grades Kindergarten through three attend EES. There are 18 licensed staff, 17 classified personnel and one building principal. The average class size is 15 students. Ellsworth Elementary is a proud recipient of the National Blue Ribbon Award in 2008 and 2021.
Kanopolis Middle School (KMS), located in nearby Kanopolis, has approximately 155 students. KMS covers grades four through six. The staff of KMS consists of one building principal, 17 licensed and 7 classified staff. The averaged class size is 15 students.

Ellsworth Junior/Senior High School (EJSHS) in Ellsworth includes grades seven through 12. There are approximately 300 students in attendance at EJSHS. Staff includes one principal, one assistant principal/athletic director, 26 licensed staff and 14 classified staff.

The District encompasses the communities of Ellsworth, Kanopolis and Geneseo in Ellsworth and Rice Counties. It is located near the middle of the state with access to many major highways, two recreational lakes and encompasses 425 square miles.

Ellsworth is a progressive and thriving small community of approximately 3,000. Patrons are involved in farming, small businesses, medical center and state prison. There are several major businesses in town with international clients.

The Ellsworth/Kanopolis area offers multiple recreational opportunities including a swimming pool, disc golf course, youth recreational sports, nine-hole golf course, Fort Harker Museum, a drive-in theater, splash pad, city parks and two federal lakes with numerous parks, trails and campsites.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates:
$43,260 base
$530 towards BCBSKS Health Insurance
Beginning Teacher Mentor program
403b match
Paid personal and paid sick days
$25,000 Life Insurance Policy

District’s current salary schedule:
$42,000 base with annual step and movement

District’s Mentoring Program:
We offer beginning teacher mentoring through Smoky Hill Education Center. Beginning teachers will be matched with an experienced teacher to provide support throughout the school year.

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info:
Ellsworth/Kanopolis/Geneseo School District

Hays, USD 489

District Classification: 5A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 2,000 or more
Counties served: Ellis County, Rush County

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year:

Current Incentives for teacher candidates:

District’s current salary schedule:

District’s Mentoring Program:

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info:

Hays School District

Herington, USD 487

District Classification: 2A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 499 or less
Counties served: Dickinson County, Morris County
We are a small, but might rural school district with a lot to offer! Our academic programs and other extracurricular activities are varied and strong. Our small class sizes (average of 17 per classroom) allow us to forge meaningful connections with our students and their families.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates:
Candidates that have graduated high school from Herington, Centre, Marion, Hillsboro, or Peabody-Burns AND return to teach in the area are eligible for up to $10,000 in addition to their base pay. Herington USD 487 also pays for a single health and dental insurance policy with a $2400 deductible.

District’s current salary schedule:
BS BS+9 BS+18 BS+27 MS
1 $42,500 $42,900 $43,350 $43,850 $45,300
2 $42,750 $43,150 $43,600 $44,100 $44,700
3 $43,000 $43,400 $43,850 $44,350 $45,000

District’s Mentoring Program:
We participate in a formal mentoring program sponsored by Greenbush Service Center. New teachers are paired with an experienced teacher and participate in the structured program provided for two full school years.

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info:
dbiehler@usd487.org

Pike Valley, USD 426

District Classification: 1A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 499 or less
Counties served: Cloud County, Jewell County, Republic County
Small, rural school district that serves several small communities in the surrounding area. The two main communities are Courtland (where our PreK-6 building is located) and Scandia (where our Jr/Sr High Building is located).

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates:
We pay for a full single health insurance with our district policy currently through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas. We also help transition to teaching candidates with tuition help.

District’s current salary schedule:

District’s Mentoring Program:
We currently have a mentoring program designed and implemented through the Smoky Hill Service Center. We also have an instructional coach available to all new staff.

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info:
steve.joonas@pikevalley.com

Republic County, USD 109

District Classification: 2A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 500-999
Counties served: Cloud County, Jewell County, Republic County, Washington County

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates:

District’s current salary schedule:

District’s Mentoring Program:

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info:

Republic School District

Rock Hills, USD 107

District Classification: 1A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 499 or less
Counties served: Jewell County
We are a rural school district nestled in Jewell County. We have a very strong agriculture presence and are the reigning State Champions in Scholars Bowl.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates:
We have a small teacher to student ratio and pay 95% of a BCBS single plan. We pride ourselves in supporting teacher growth with a robust Professional Development budget. We have an updated Strategic Plan.

District’s current salary schedule:

District’s Mentoring Program:
We utilize the mentoring program through Greenbush Services.

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info:
Rock Hills School District

Rural Vista, USD 481

District Classification: 1A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 499 or less
Counties served: Dickinson County, Geary County, Marion County, Morris County
Rural Vista, USD 481, is comprised of two K-12 schools, Hope Schools and White City Schools. If you are looking for small town connections with affordable housing and big city access, then Rural Vista is the place for you. Big city access is within an hour of both of our communities. With our 10:1 student to teacher ratio, we offer a great learning experience and opportunity for every student and educator.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates:
$41,200 starting base. 12 PTO days. $500 towards a single health plan. 13 month contract for first year teachers, this allows you to get a pay check in August. New teachers are also provided with a two-year in-house mentoring program.

District’s current salary schedule:
$41,200 base salary.

District’s Mentoring Program:
New teachers are also provided with a two-year in-house mentoring program.

District’s recruitment video:
Recruitment Video

Contact Info:
Rural Vista School District

Russell County, USD 407

District Classification: 3A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 500-999
Counties served: Russell County
Russell County USD 407 is nestled in the heart of Central Kansas, located along the I-70 corridor between Salina, KS and Hays, KS, and operates a comprehensive PreK-12 school system. The district operates three attendance centers: Simpson Elementary School, Bickerdyke Elementary School, and Russell High School (grades 7-12). Russell County USD 407 encompasses 489 square miles and maintains five bus routes.

The community of Russell USD 407 prides itself in a rich and abundant source of cultural and recreational experiences. Russell Recreation Commission offers many opportunities for youth to participate in a variety of programs that help prepare them for extracurricular activities provided by USD 407. As a 3A classification, Russell County USD 407 is able to provide many competitive athletic and activity programs for our students.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 10-19

Current Incentives for teacher candidates:
Health Insurance, Section 125 Cafeteria Plan, Sick and Personal Leave

District’s current salary schedule:
Our salary schedule is listed on our website at usd407.org, under the employment tab

District’s Mentoring Program:

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info:

Russell County School District

Salina Public Schools

District Classification: 5A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 2,000 or more
Counties served: Saline County
Our mission is to be the best place to learn and work by embracing challenges, creating belonging, fostering pride and inspiring hope. We strive every day to provide students with exceptional services and programs at every level, with a districtwide focus on making sure students are college or career ready when they graduate.
Here are a few things that make us especially proud:

*All of our elementary schools provide a caring, nurturing experience. Students’ social-emotional wellbeing is monitored and after-school and summer learning programs offer extra learning help. Each school runs a School Marathon program.

*Our middle schools help students discover unique strengths and interests, connect with peers and build the academic, social and emotional skills they need to succeed in high school and beyond. Middle school is where students begin working on their Individual Plan of Study, providing a roadmap that can lead them beyond high school graduation.

*Both Central and South high schools offer experiences that build community and support success. Opportunities to earn college credit while in high school, participate in outstanding career and technical education programs, enroll in robust offerings of fine arts classes and explore a large variety of activities await high school students.

We believe in every student’s potential to grow in greatness. We value families as our partners in learning. We are committed to student wellbeing. And, we offer unrivaled opportunities at every grade for enrichment and exploration.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 30-39

Current Incentives for teacher candidates:
-Competitive salary and benefits
-Moving Expense Reimbursement
-Strong Mentor Program
-Incredible Professional Development Opportunities

District’s current salary schedule:
Payroll Schedule

District’s Mentoring Program:
Salina Public Schools professional teacher mentoring builds school culture by supporting educators’ professional growth and psychosocial development. Through our mentoring program, new teachers will find formal support and learning opportunities that can help them do their jobs better.

Throughout the first year, new teachers will work with their mentor to establish a foundation of practice. They will learn how to create inclusive professional communities in which teachers work together, learn from one another, and support each other’s growth and development.

District’s recruitment video:
Recruitment Video

Contact Info:
Salina School District

Solomon, USD 393

District Classification: 2A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 499 or less
Counties served: Dickinson County, Ottawa County, Saline County
Solomon's staff and teachers love to connect and have fun. Building strong relationships with coworkers is the cornerstone of a positive work environment. It's the trust, support, and camaraderie among colleagues that fuel creativity, productivity, and a shared sense of purpose. Working in a small school offers the unique advantage of truly knowing your coworkers personally, fostering a sense of family within the workplace.
"Good colleagues are those who know that 'WE' is more powerful than 'ME'"

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates:

District’s current salary schedule:
$43,000 starting pay with a $1000 Signing bonus and a fully paid single BC/BS $500 deductible. KPERS and 503b match too.

District’s Mentoring Program:
We partner with Greenbush Service Center for all our beginning teachers. We utilize a two-day orientation to help answer those questions, during which those days are paid at your daily rate. You will meet weekly with two expert teachers who care about your professional growth in the teaching field.

District’s recruitment video:
Recruitment Video

Contact Info:
Solomon School District

Southeast of Saline, USD 306

District Classification: 3A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 500-999
Counties served: Saline County
Located just outside of Salina, Southeast of Saline has a small rural school feel with easy access to city amenities. SES is a top performing district which attracts students and teachers to our community. Highly competitive in academics, fine arts, and sports the Trojan Pride shines bright.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates:

District’s current salary schedule:
23-24 base salary is $42,000. Coaching/sponsorship rates are a percentage of the base to stay current and competitive. The salary schedule has 28 steps which rewards longevity.

District’s Mentoring Program:
Beginning teachers will receive a highly qualified mentor as well as support for an experienced and talented staff.

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info:

Stockton, USD 271

District Classification: 1A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 499 or less
Counties served: Rooks County
We are a small district north of Hays, KS. We have a lot of personalized learning for both students and staff!

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates:

District’s current salary schedule:
Base pay is 40,000 and our benefits cover a single employee.

District’s Mentoring Program:
We offer a two year mentoring program.

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info:

Twin Valley Schools, USD 240

District Classification: 2A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 500-999
Counties served: Ottawa County
Our district is made up of 2 buildings, one PreK-12 building in Bennington, KS and the other PreK-12 building in Tescott, Ks. Both towns are located north of Salina on Highway 18.

Our PreK-12 building allows for wonderful opportunities for both staff and students. Our staff follows students all the way through their academic careers, and our students have the opportunity to do internships and aid positions in our elementary classrooms without any additional travel.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates:
We are paying a $1500 stipend to student teachers, as well as potential signing bonuses for hard to fill positions.

District’s current salary schedule:
$42,250 for the 24-25 school year

District’s Mentoring Program:
We are committed to providing a quality support program for all new staff. Our brand new teachers participate in the Mentoring program through Smoky Hill Education Service Center, with a mentor assigned to them in the same building.

For the 24-25 school year, we've also hired a retired teacher to provide more intensive support for our new teachers, being in the buildings every day for the first couple of weeks of school as well as the before school PD days, assisting in setting up classrooms and ensuring new teachers are ready. She will be conducting classroom observations, planning meetings with new teachers, and modeling lessons for both content and classroom management. After the first few weeks, she will be in buildings 2-3 times a week providing continued support.

Our plan is to continue this program for all new teachers moving forward.

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info:
Twin Valley School District

Victoria Schools, USD 432

District Classification: 1A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 499 or less
Counties served: Ellis County
Victoria is a small town located between Russell and Hays on I-70. Staff and families enjoy the small town feel and the college town amenities located within ten miles of Victoria. Knight Nation is greatly supported by the community, parents, and BOE. We are a 1-A school and participate in the Central Prairie League. We offer Pre-K through 12 grade education with dual enrollment opportunities, small class sizes and caring teachers. In addition to band, football, volleyball, basketball, track, baseball/softball and shooting club, we offer a full day PreK- 4 year old program.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 0-9

Current Incentives for teacher candidates:
TEAM Grant for first year teachers. Half their credit hours are paid by FHSU & USD 432. Established teachers are able to use Patterson Family Foundation Grant funds for FULL reimbursement of coursework!
Excellent insurance, BCBS KS is used. Full single by employer ($650) and Employee Children, $850; Employee Spouse $50; Emp

District’s current salary schedule:
$42,000 Base
$700 across/ $600 Down

District’s Mentoring Program:
We coop with Greenbush for our mentoring program and it's awesome! Monthly modules help to guide the participants.

District’s recruitment video:
Recruitment Video

Contact Info:
kimberlywoolf@usd432.org