6 takeaways from Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 school board meeting
September 17 2025
Board Formally Asks Member to Resign After Comment on Charlie Kirk Assassination
The Manhattan-Ogden Board of Education voted 5–1 to pass a resolution formally requesting the resignation of board member Dr. Katie Allen following backlash to her social-media comment “well deserved” regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Allen apologized, took responsibility, and announced she would step down as vice president but would not resign her elected seat. The board cited the comment’s impact on trust and governance as the basis for seeking her resignation.
For more information on this agenda item, see our article
Teri Hansen
Greg Hoyt Elected New Board Vice President
Following Allen’s leadership resignation, the Board of Education elected Greg Hoyt to serve as its new vice president until the organizational meeting in January. The motion passed 7–0, with the understanding that president and vice president elections will be held again when the new board is seated next year.
District Explores Staggered School Start Times; Public Survey Forthcoming
Administrators outlined a proposal for a three-tier set of start times for elementary, middle and high schools. The change is projected to be cost-neutral while improving transportation efficiency (reducing the need for roughly 12 drivers and 12 buses) and shortening routes. A district-wide survey will go to staff, secondary students and parents next week, with a full presentation of the plan and results scheduled for an October 29 work session.
Board Approves $182,000 Parking Lot Project for Lincoln Education Center
In a unanimous vote, the board gave final approval for an $181,928.18 contract with Garibay Siteworks, LLC of Manhattan for a parking lot addition at the Lincoln Education Center. The item appeared under new business and was approved without discussion.
District Considers New Incentives to Combat Substitute Shortage
Superintendent Eric Reid reported persistent substitute shortages, despite 160 people on the sub list. A frequent problem is last-minute job-switching to preferred assignments, leaving classes uncovered. The administration is exploring an incentive plan to boost daily rates based on cumulative days worked over the year to reward consistency and improve classroom stability.
State Education Commissioner Randy Watson Announces Retirement
Reid informed attendees that Dr. Randy Watson, Kansas Commissioner of Education, has announced his retirement from KSDE and will remain in place until a successor is named. Reid praised Watson’s contributions and said Kansas has “big shoes to fill.”
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