7 takeaways from Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 school board meeting
October 15 2025
Citizens renew calls for board member’s resignation
District enrollment dips, but budget remains stable
Superintendent: government shutdown poses minimal immediate threat
Board approves over $286,000 for facility repairs
Annual report reveals high cost of athletic field maintenance
High school reports success with new personal device policy
Two district educators receive statewide and regional honors
Citizens renew calls for board member’s resignation
MANHATTAN, Kan. - For the third consecutive meeting, numerous citizens used the public comment period to demand the resignation of board member Katie Allen. Speakers cited a social media comment Allen made in September celebrating the assassination of Charlie Kirk as conduct unfit for an elected official. Residents argued that her refusal to step down has created a distraction and eroded public trust. Several speakers, noting the board’s previous formal request for her resignation, said they would pursue a recall election if she remains in office.
Teri Hansen
District enrollment dips, but budget remains stable
MANHATTAN, Kan. - Student enrollment in the Manhattan-Ogden school district is down by 85 students for the 2025-2026 school year, according to a report presented by Superintendent Eric Reid. The largest decrease was seen at the high school level. Despite the lower headcount, Reid assured the board that the district’s budget will not be negatively impacted due to an increase in weighted full-time-equivalent students and the ability to use the previous year's higher enrollment numbers for funding calculations. The report also highlighted upward trends in the percentages of students receiving special education services (24.1 percent) and those qualifying for free and reduced-price lunches (44 percent).
Superintendent: government shutdown poses minimal immediate threat
MANHATTAN, Kan. - A federal government shutdown should have little immediate financial impact on the district, Superintendent Eric Reid said Wednesday. While acknowledging community concerns, Reid explained that most federal funding flows through the state and is not expected to be disrupted in the short term. He noted the district maintains healthy cash reserves to handle any payment delays. The biggest potential concern, he said, would be a prolonged delay in Federal Impact Aid, which could significantly affect neighboring districts like Geary County USD 475.
Board approves over $286,000 for facility repairs
MANHATTAN, Kan. - The board of education unanimously approved two significant contracts for facility maintenance totaling $286,730. Mid-Continental Restoration Co. was awarded a $78,780 contract for masonry repairs at Amanda Arnold Elementary School. A second proposal from McConnell & Associates for $207,950 was approved to recoat the running track at Bishop Stadium, which is used by both school athletic teams and the public.
Annual report reveals high cost of athletic field maintenance
MANHATTAN, Kan. - Maintaining the district’s athletic fields costs more than $152,000 annually, according to a report reviewed by the board. The detailed breakdown of expenses for mowing, fertilizing, painting and general upkeep was presented to provide transparency and context for the district’s facility use fees. Board members noted the report helps the public understand the significant investment required to keep school athletic facilities in playable condition for students and community users.
High school reports success with new personal device policy
MANHATTAN, Kan. - Manhattan High School’s new policy restricting student cellphones and other personal electronic devices is showing positive results, Principal Michael Dorst reported Wednesday. Data from the first nine weeks show a sharp decline in repeat offenses, with most students not violating the policy after an initial warning. Dorst said teachers have reported a noticeable increase in student engagement, describing classrooms as “louder for the right reasons.” The policy, which requires students to place devices in classroom carriers, aims to create a more focused and distraction-free learning environment.
Two district educators receive statewide and regional honors
MANHATTAN, Kan. - Two district educators were recognized for excellence in their fields. Manhattan High School German teacher Elke Lorenz has been named the 2025 Kansas World Language Association Teacher of the Year. In addition, Manhattan High School Principal Michael Dorst will be honored as the Area Secondary Principal of the Year at an upcoming awards ceremony. Superintendent Eric Reid praised both for their dedication and contributions to the district.
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