7 takeaways from Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 school board meeting draft
October 1 2025
Public Debate Over Board Member Allen Continues to Dominate Meeting
Board Rejects Proposal to Move Controversial Public Comments
Board Approves $1.1M Lighting Upgrade for Long-Term Savings
Longtime MHS Band Director Joel Gittel Announces Retirement
District Leaders Outline AI Guidelines, Prompting Board Discussion
Student Excellence Recognized by Board
MHS Student Council Reports on New Clubs, “Mega Test Day”
Public Debate Over Board Member Allen Continues to Dominate Meeting
MANHATTAN - The USD 383 Board of Education meeting was once again dominated by public comment regarding board member Dr. Katie Allen’s continued presence on the board. For over 45 minutes, citizens delivered passionate and often emotional remarks, with speakers both demanding her resignation and defending her position. Those calling for resignation cited her past social media comment as a distraction, a poor example for students, and a sign of failed leadership. Supporters argued for forgiveness, condemned what they called hypocrisy from her critics, and framed the calls for her removal as a form of bullying. The debate highlights a deep and ongoing division within the community.
Teri Hansen
Board Rejects Proposal to Move Controversial Public Comments
MANHATTAN - Following the lengthy public comment session, Board President Kristin Brighton proposed a change for future meetings: moving public comments related to board member conduct to the end of the agenda. The stated goal was to allow the board to conduct its business efficiently without making students and staff wait. However, several board members, including Christine Weixelman and Curt Herrman, opposed the idea, arguing it was unfair to make citizens wait. After a brief debate, the board reached a consensus to keep the agenda format as is for the next meeting.
Board Approves $1.1M Lighting Upgrade for Long-Term Savings
MANHATTAN - The board unanimously approved a proposal for $1,095,938 to upgrade lighting systems to energy‑efficient LEDs across multiple district locations. The project will be handled by ROI Energy, LLC of Eudora, Kansas. Superintendent Eric Reid explained that while the upfront cost is significant, the project was prompted by a 30% discount from Evergy and is projected to pay for itself in energy savings within nine and a half years. The move is expected to generate substantial long‑term savings for the district’s operational budget.
Longtime MHS Band Director Joel Gittel Announces Retirement
MANHATTAN - Joel Gittel, the celebrated Manhattan High School Band Director, will retire at the end of the school year. His retirement, effective June 1, 2026, was accepted as part of the Human Resources report. Gittel has been with the district since 1992, influencing thousands of students through his leadership of the MHS marching band and instrumental programs across multiple schools. Board members expressed their gratitude for his decades of service, noting his profound legacy and commitment to music education in the community.
District Leaders Outline AI Guidelines, Prompting Board Discussion
MANHATTAN - The board received an update on the district’s approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the classroom. Staff reported on professional development sessions for teachers and the integration of AI tools, such as the ALEKS component in the new high school math curriculum. The presentation sparked a broader board discussion about the challenges of AI, with several members expressing concern over how to teach students ethical use, prevent academic dishonesty, and establish clear, age‑appropriate rules for when AI tools can be used.
Student Excellence Recognized by Board
MANHATTAN - The meeting began on a positive note with special recognitions for outstanding students and staff. Manhattan High School students owan Janette-Bear and Nutsa Samushia were honored as National Merit Semi‑Finalists.
MHS Student Council Reports on New Clubs, “Mega Test Day”
MANHATTAN - Student Council representatives from Manhattan High School provided an update on student life, highlighting the formation of new interest groups like the Finance Club and Pokemon Club. The students also reported on a successful “Mega Test Day,” during which underclassmen took pre‑ACT and career‑readiness exams while seniors received guidance on completing FAFSA forms and college applications, streamlining the testing process for the entire school.
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