USD 305: Reported March 4 Student Walkout is not District-Sponsored, Schools to Follow Normal Attendance Policy

Salina Public Schools USD 305 says it is aware of messages circulating regarding a potential student walkout on March 4, but the district says the activity is not school-sponsored and was not approved by the district.

Salina311 asked USD 305 a series of questions regarding district awareness of the reported walkout, how student attendance would be handled if students left class or campus during the school day, whether parents would be contacted, what discipline could apply, and how the district balances student speech rights with attendance and safety policies.

In response, USD 305 provided a district statement addressing the reported walkout.

USD 305 statement on the reported walkout

In the statement, the district said it is aware of “recent social media posts and emails” related to a potential student walkout, but said the messages did not come from official district channels.

“These messages did not originate from official district communications channels and were not approved by the district. Salina Public Schools is not sponsoring, organizing or endorsing any walkout activities,” the district statement said.

The district also said it recognizes student constitutional rights to express views “in a lawful and peaceful manner,” while emphasizing that staff and schools are not organizing or endorsing the event.

“Our staff’s role remains neutral, with a focus on supporting student safety and maintaining a quality educational environment,” the district statement said.

USD 305 said the school day will continue as usual and that students are expected to attend class and follow attendance rules.

“The school day will proceed as usual and SPS expects all students to attend class, adhering to our attendance policy,” the district statement said.

What Salina311 asked

Salina311 asked USD 305 for clarification on:

Whether the district was aware of the reported walkout

Whether parents, staff, or students had been notified by the district

How leaving class or campus for a walkout would be classified under district policy

Whether parents/guardians would be contacted if students left without authorization

What disciplinary consequences could apply

How the district is balancing student speech rights with attendance, supervision, and safety requirements

While the district’s statement addressed awareness, non-sponsorship, attendance expectations, and overall safety posture, it did not publicly provide a point-by-point response in the statement to each policy and discipline question asked.

Prior reporting and handbook policy

Salina311 previously reported that the event was being circulated through student email and was not a school-sponsored activity.

Salina311 also reviewed the Central High School 2025-2026 student handbook, which states that if a student leaves campus during the school day, a parent/guardian must call the attendance office before the student leaves, and students are responsible for signing in and out of the attendance office.

The handbook also states that absences may be marked unexcused when a parent/guardian does not communicate with the school, or when the reason is deemed inexcusable by the building principal.

Salina311 will continue to update coverage if USD 305 provides additional policy clarification or guidance to families.