Takeaways from Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 School Board Meeting
Week of May 7, 2026
Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 to implement bell-to-bell cell phone ban following state law
New state mandate prompts strict rules on staff-student social media contact
State legislation alters protocols for school active shooter drills
Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 to spend $20,000 on bathroom remodels to comply with state law
Bond refinancing to save taxpayers more than $700,000
Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 faces projected 23 percent hike in health insurance rates
Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 grapples with state funding cuts for CTE and mental health
Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 accepts $160,000 donation for Manhattan High School North Gym video board
Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 approves $38,000 social studies curriculum purchase
Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 superintendent urges public patience amid data center backlash
Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 to implement bell-to-bell cell phone ban following state law
MANHATTAN, Kan. - Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 will adopt a new policy banning student access to personal electronic devices, including cell phones and smartwatches, during the school day to comply with recently passed Kansas House Bill 2299. Administrators announced that the state mandate requires all personal devices to be turned off and securely stored in an inaccessible location from bell to bell. Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 officials are currently collaborating with school administrators to define the logistics of the ban — including how parents will contact students during the day — and will present the formal policy for approval before the state deadline of Sept. 1, 2026.
New state mandate prompts strict rules on staff-student social media contact
MANHATTAN, Kan. - In response to House Bill 2299, Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 is establishing strict policies prohibiting staff members from privately communicating with students through personal social media accounts. Under the new rules, educators cannot use personal platforms for assignments, extracurriculars or direct messaging, and must route all digital communications through district-approved, monitored platforms like ParentSquare, a school communications platform.
State legislation alters protocols for school active shooter drills
MANHATTAN, Kan. - Recent state legislation bundled into House Bill 2534 will force Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 to modify its emergency preparedness training, strictly prohibiting active shooter simulations in buildings housing students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The new law also bans the use of students as participants in simulations to prevent trauma and requires schools to provide parents with 24 hours' notice before conducting any standard active shooter drills so families can opt their children out.
Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 to spend $20,000 on bathroom remodels to comply with state law
MANHATTAN, Kan. - Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 will spend more than $20,000 this summer to remodel two Jack-and-Jill-style bathrooms to comply with Kansas Senate Bill 244, which mandates that multiple-occupancy restrooms in public buildings be designated based on biological sex. Following a districtwide facilities audit by the maintenance department, officials identified the two noncompliant restrooms and installed temporary apparatuses until the permanent renovations can be completed.
Bond refinancing to save taxpayers more than $700,000
MANHATTAN, Kan. - Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 approved a resolution to refinance general obligation bonds, a move expected to save taxpayers more than $700,000. District administrators credited Manhattan-Ogden USD 383's strong financial rating for securing a favorable interest rate on the refunding bonds. Over the past 15 years, similar debt refinancing efforts by Manhattan-Ogden USD 383's financial staff have saved taxpayers a total of $21.25 million in debt service and interest payments.
Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 faces projected 23 percent hike in health insurance rates
MANHATTAN, Kan. - Initial budget projections for the 2027 fiscal year reveal a potential 23 percent increase in employee health insurance premiums, according to Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 officials. While the state's base aid per student is slated to increase by 2.97 percent to keep pace with the consumer price index, administrators warned of the steep insurance "sticker shock" during a budget planning update. Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 leaders are currently negotiating with their insurance provider to reduce the final rate before the district's budget is formally adopted in September.
Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 grapples with state funding cuts for CTE and mental health
MANHATTAN, Kan. - Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 officials expressed concern over unexpected funding reductions in the state's recent budget bill, which eliminates a state college-credit funding program and Career and Technical Education, or CTE, college-credit funding for high school freshmen and sophomores. Additionally, the state reduced funding for its mental health initiatives grant — which supports Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 mental health liaisons — from $16 million to $10 million, prompting administrators to evaluate the future financial impact on local student support programs.
Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 accepts $160,000 donation for Manhattan High School North Gym video board
MANHATTAN, Kan. - Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 approved a $160,881 donation from the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, a local philanthropic organization, to fund a new video board for the Manhattan High School North Gym. The project includes equipment and installation from multiple local and regional vendors, featuring an $86,487 video board from Daktronics, an electronic display manufacturer, and a specialized $6,631 electronic drop flag that can be retracted into the ceiling during athletic play.
Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 approves $38,000 social studies curriculum purchase
MANHATTAN, Kan. - Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 approved a $38,587 curriculum renewal with McGraw Hill, an educational publisher, for middle and high school social studies classes. Following feedback from teachers and district officials regarding screen time and resource accessibility, Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 opted to purchase physical textbooks for middle school students to increase library checkout availability, while high school classes will continue to use primarily digital resources.
Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 superintendent urges public patience amid data center backlash
MANHATTAN, Kan. - Addressing growing public outcry over a potential multibillion-dollar data center in neighboring Pottawatomie County, Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 Superintendent Eric Reid urged the community to consider the project's long-term economic benefits before forming final opinions. Noting public concerns over water usage and aesthetics, Reid expressed his belief that modern data centers often use advanced closed-loop cooling systems. He added that the facility could generate major property tax revenue, potentially offering substantial tax relief for local school districts and residents.
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