Takeaways from Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 School Board Meeting
Week of June 26, 2026
State underfunds special education by nearly $1 million
Superintendent defends district cash balances
Board explores cost-of-living tax levy
Board approves cell phone and AI policies with reluctance
Technology handbook tabled over iPad mandate
Three-tier busing ranked as top district achievement
Alternative Learning Environment increases credit completion
District advances Fort Riley partnership projects
State underfunds special education by nearly $1 million
MANHATTAN, Kan. — State special education funding fell nearly $1 million short of Manhattan-Ogden USD 383's actual costs, leaving the school district with a deficit that must be covered before the books close June 30. Director of Business Operations Andy Hutchinson and Superintendent Eric Reid explained that the district does not learn its final special education funding amount from the state until mid-June, making proactive budgeting difficult. To avoid a state budget violation, the district will transfer available balances from its general and supplemental general funds to cover the shortage.
Superintendent defends district cash balances
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 Superintendent Eric Reid presented a simplified financial model to explain why the district carries large cash balances, addressing a frequent point of public criticism regarding taxpayer funds. Reid explained that the district receives roughly 29% of its state and county funds in the first six months of the school year and 22% in June, creating long gaps between revenue distributions. Without carrying over unencumbered funds, the district would not be able to cover monthly payroll and utility expenses or make its large biannual bond and interest payments without defaulting.
Board explores cost-of-living tax levy
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 Board of Education is considering implementing a cost-of-living weighting, a state statute option that allows the district to levy local ad valorem taxes to raise additional funds. Because of steady enrollment in past years, the district has not previously utilized this tax option. If approved by board resolution, the local tax would generate an additional $278,000, which would likely be used to offset rising health insurance costs for district personnel.
Board approves cell phone and AI policies with reluctance
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 Board of Education approved new policies governing student personal electronic devices, artificial intelligence use and acceptable technology guidelines by a 6-1 vote. However, board members expressed frustration over the Kansas Legislature dictating local school policies regarding cell phones. The item was brought back from a previous meeting where it failed to secure the votes necessary for passage without objections due to concerns that Kansas lawmakers are overstepping into local district control, prompting the board to approve the measure 6-1 while publicly noting their continuing concerns.
Technology handbook tabled over iPad mandate
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 Board of Education unanimously voted to table the approval of the district's technology handbook following concerns over language mandating that all students receive an iPad. A board member requested the removal of the specific mandate to provide the district flexibility in its one-to-one device strategy, suggesting that iPads may not be the best tool for high school students entering the workforce and pointing to parents' concerns over elementary screen time. District staff will review the handbook's language to potentially offer more device flexibility before bringing the manual back for a vote next week.
Three-tier busing ranked as top district achievement
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 Superintendent Eric Reid named the shift to a three-tier busing schedule as the district's most significant accomplishment of the year during his annual review. The scheduling change was implemented to address a severe bus driver shortage and reduce the district's reliance on maintenance staff to drive routes. According to Reid, the change will improve driver retention by offering more route hours while reducing the number of students per bus, and it will prevent the frequent cancellation of academic and extracurricular field trips.
Alternative Learning Environment increases credit completion
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The newly established Alternative Learning Environment at Manhattan High School marked a successful first year, with participating students earning 28 more credits collectively than they did the previous year. Superintendent Eric Reid reported that out of 46 enrolled students, seven graduated and 34 intend to return to the program next year. The program provides additional support for students who struggle in a traditional classroom setting, and district officials anticipate continued growth and development.
District advances Fort Riley partnership projects
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 is finalizing a contract with McCownGordon Construction to serve as the construction manager at-risk for projects under a new Intergovernmental Support Agreement with Fort Riley. The partnership allows the school district to facilitate and manage facility projects on the military base. Superintendent Eric Reid called the agreement one of the district's most impactful community partnerships, noting it will bring substantial opportunities and mutual benefits to both the school district and the military installation.
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