5 takeaways from Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 school board meeting
July 16, 2025
City Proposes Major Partnership for CiCo Park Revitalization, Eyes Sales Tax
The City of Manhattan is proposing a three-way partnership with the USD 383 Board of Education and Riley County to pursue a major revitalization of CiCo Park. During a presentation to the school board, city officials floated ideas for ambitious projects including a new indoor aquatics facility, the relocation of the county fairgrounds and rodeo, and renovations to Bishop Stadium. The effort is being spurred by two expiring city sales taxes, and officials are seeking to gauge community support for a new sales tax to fund potential projects. Board of Education members expressed support for inter-entity cooperation but also voiced concerns about the project’s timing and the critical need for strong partnerships and public buy-in before moving forward. The city plans to conduct a public survey this fall to gather feedback on the proposals and funding tolerance.
Decades-Old Debate Over Indoor Pool Resurfaces
The community’s long and frustrating quest for a public indoor swimming facility was a key focus of the joint presentation by the City of Manhattan. With the district’s swim and dive teams currently traveling to Topeka and Junction City for practice since the 2021 closure of the K-State Natatorium, the need is more acute than ever. Officials reminded the board that a ballot initiative for an aquatic center failed in 2007, and the project’s cost has now ballooned to an estimated $55–$65 million, which would require an annual operating subsidy between $750,000 and $1.5 million on top of admission fees. Board members lamented the community’s past failure to invest in a facility, acknowledging the price for waiting has been steep.
Federal Funding Freeze Jeopardizes School Programs, Impacts Boys & Girls Club of Manhattan
A freeze on federal funds is set to have a significant impact on USD 383 and its community partners. District officials reported that approximately half a million dollars have been frozen, affecting funds for professional development, migrant-student services, and English-language-acquisition programs. The freeze has delivered a blow to the Boys & Girls Club of Manhattan, which relies on a $200,000 grant that flows through the district and has been forced to limit enrollment for its after-school programs at local elementary schools. School administrators described the situation as “unprecedented” and are now creating contingency plans for the upcoming school year, operating under the advice to “budget like you have the money, but spend like you don’t.”
District Explores Free Mental-Health Services for Students, Staff, and Families
A new, federally funded program could soon provide extensive mental-health services to the entire district community at no cost. The administration announced it is exploring a partnership with National Telehealth Solutions for a program that would offer free, unlimited mental-health services for all USD 383 students, staff, and their families. The three-year opportunity, valued at approximately $5 million, would be covered by a federal grant. If approved, the program would provide 24/7 access to tele-counseling, therapy, psychiatry, medication management, and other support services. The district plans to bring a formal proposal to the board in August to secure the funding.
Schools Foundation Launches Program to Fund College Courses for Low-Income Students
The Manhattan-Ogden Public Schools Foundation is launching a new initiative to promote educational equity for high-school students. Foundation President Heather Lansdowne announced the creation of the Tuition Assistance for College Coursework (TAC) program, designed to help low-income students pay for college classes while they are still attending Manhattan High. Lansdowne noted that students without financial resources often cannot take advantage of dual-credit opportunities, starting their college careers behind their peers. The TAC program, funded by a dedicated Grow Green fundraising campaign, will offer a 75 % tuition match for qualifying students and is expected to launch this fall.
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