Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System today announces an important milestone in development of our Learning Academy. First announced last Fall, the HRHS Learning Academy is designed to provide HRHS employees with an additional childcare option. After an extensive search, we are excited to welcome Penny Stoss as the Director of the HRHS Learning Academy, which is projected to launch in 2023.

In her new role, Stoss will be working closely with State agencies to develop our program into the highest quality childcare academy available. With her background in Education and established connections within Reno County, Stoss will make the HRHS Learning Academy a resource that staff will be proud their children attend. She will report to Chief Executive Officer Ken Johnson and her temporary office is located inside of Administration. An Advisory Council of childcare experts will advise Stoss as she formulates plans to open the HRHS Learning Academy.

Ken Johnson, Chief Executive Officer for Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System stated “Penny offers an extensive background in educational leadership, and she’s deeply ingrained in our community, making her an ideal candidate to develop and manage our HRHS Learning Academy. She’ll build, launch, and oversee the Academy to foster a convenient and valuable resource available for all HRHS employees.

Stoss’ 30-plus-year background in education includes her most recent role as Assistant Superintendent and Curriculum Director of USD 309 Nickerson/South Hutchinson. She also served USD 418 McPherson as Director of Early Childhood and Building Principal, where she supervised a staff of 60.

Penny’s own education includes a Master’s in Educational Administration from Wichita State University, a Master’s in Education & Curriculum from Friends University, and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from McPherson College. When asked about her goals for the new unit Stoss stated “Our goal will be to provide high quality childcare in an effort to remove a layer of stress from the lives of hard-working parents. The availability of childcare is an important factor in the retention and recruitment of good employees and Hutchinson Regional aspires to be in the forefront of providing those services. It is our goal to provide childcare services to the several hundred employees who are juggling their jobs with raising a family.”

In her off time, Stoss enjoys reading, gardening, spending time with her two grown children, her husband Steve and her very spoiled dog. Please join us in welcoming Penny, and look for upcoming communication on the Learning Academy’s launch.