Takeaways from Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 School Board Meeting
Week of July 2, 2026
Board drops universal iPad mandate from technology handbook
Board approves virtual server and infrastructure upgrades
School board supports Champions Gate TIF project
Board advocates for increased paraeducator pay amid staffing shortages
Special education director resigns, interim appointed
Seven elementary schools receive fresh fruit and vegetable grant
FIT Closet announces annual school supply drive
Board members urge primary voting against constitutional amendment
Board drops universal iPad mandate from technology handbook
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Unified School District 383 Board of Education voted 5-1 to amend the district's technology handbook, explicitly removing a mandate that all students be supplied with an iPad tablet. The change was supported by citing the need for device flexibility, suggesting Chromebooks may be more appropriate for workplace preparation and questioning the necessity of issuing iPads to kindergarteners. A dissenting opinion argued the policy change altered an integral district practice, but the majority agreed the revision allows the board to act as better financial stewards without completely eliminating the one-to-one device initiative.
Board approves virtual server and infrastructure upgrades
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Board of Education unanimously approved the final purchase of new hyper-converged infrastructure and related equipment for the district's technology systems. The hardware and software will be purchased from CDW-G, a Chicago-based government technology vendor. The acquisition is part of the district's ongoing efforts to maintain and upgrade its virtual server capabilities for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
School board supports Champions Gate TIF project
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The board unanimously approved a motion supporting the advancement of the City of Manhattan's Champions Gate tax increment financing project. Outlined in Ordinance No. 7831, the TIF district will foster commercial development without presenting a financial conflict for the school district. Collaboration with city and Riley County partners was praised for aiming to grow the local tax base, noting the upcoming expiration of the downtown redevelopment TIF and comparing Champions Gate to the successful downtown revitalization initiated two decades ago.
Board advocates for increased paraeducator pay amid staffing shortages
MANHATTAN, Kan. — During a review of building needs assessments, the board highlighted severe challenges facing the district, including rising mental health concerns, food insecurity and student overstimulation. A primary focus of the discussion was the acute shortage of paraeducators and the necessity of raising their current $12-an-hour pay rate. It was argued during the meeting that state and federal funding cuts are exacerbating the staffing crisis at a time when schools are increasingly relied upon to meet students' basic needs, calling the daily workload of paraeducators too demanding for the current wages.
Special education director resigns, interim appointed
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The board formally acknowledged the resignation of Director of Special Education Dr. Jessica Nelson, who is leaving the district to pursue a different career path. Administrators praised Nelson for her two years of service in the highly demanding role, noting the heavy workload required to manage the department. Dr. Felicity Post has been appointed to serve as the interim director and has already begun leading the department's transition.
Seven elementary schools receive fresh fruit and vegetable grant
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The district will continue its participation in a state grant program providing fresh produce to students at seven local elementary schools. Bluemont, Frank V. Bergman, Lee Elementary, Northview, Ogden, Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson Elementary schools all qualified for funding for the upcoming academic year through the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP). The grant program provides students with a fresh fruit and vegetable snack three times a week, supplementing the district's standard breakfast and lunch offerings.
FIT Closet announces annual school supply drive
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The district's FIT Closet is preparing for its annual school supply drive, calling on community members to volunteer for the "Stuff the Bus" event on July 18 and central registration sorting on July 24. Organizers plan to distribute approximately 1,000 backpacks to students in need this year. The organization is currently seeking donations of backpacks, wired earbuds, dry erase markers and 1-inch binders to meet community demand.
Board members urge primary voting against constitutional amendment
MANHATTAN, Kan. — During the meeting, Manhattan residents were urged to vote in the Aug. 4 primary election, with a reminder that unaffiliated voters are also eligible to participate. Strong opposition was voiced against a proposed constitutional amendment that, if passed, would abolish the Kansas Supreme Court Nominating Commission and replace it with direct, partisan elections. Concerns were raised that the amendment would open the door to partisan elections and corporate dark money, potentially threatening equitable school funding mandates and turning judicial appointments into a political battleground.
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