Takeaways from Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 School Board Meeting
Week of September 17, 2026
Board approves design contract for Marlatt Elementary backup generator
Board weighs stricter screen time and device guidelines for students
District explores shift to year-round state assessments
District partners with K-State to advance 'science of reading' initiative
Early learning report shows significant gains after program integration
District monitors proposed federal changes to Head Start regulations
College Football Playoff Foundation sponsors surprise library makeover
Manhattan High School named finalist for performing arts excellence
Board approves design contract for Marlatt Elementary backup generator
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 Board of Education unanimously approved a $20,000 proposal from Manhattan-based LST Consulting Engineers PA for design and bid-phase services for a backup generator at Marlatt Elementary School. A board member highlighted the critical nature of the infrastructure project, noting that Marlatt serves as the district's technological "hot site." The school houses an exact replica of the district's computer and server systems, ensuring the district can maintain digital operations without interruption in the event of a primary system failure.
Board weighs stricter screen time and device guidelines for students
MANHATTAN, Kan. — In anticipation of forthcoming guidance from the Kansas State Department of Education, board members initiated a discussion on implementing stricter guardrails for student screen time. The board discussed reevaluating the district's one-to-one device policies, specifically suggesting a shift from iPads to Chromebooks for younger students and proposing bans on using devices as passive rewards or during recess. The board intends to host future community discussions to gather parent feedback on how personal and district-issued devices should be managed in the classroom.
District explores shift to year-round state assessments
MANHATTAN, Kan. — District administrators are closely monitoring a new pilot program authorized by the Kansas State Board of Education that shifts state assessments from a single testing period to four separate tests distributed throughout the academic year. Administrators noted that nearby Geary County USD 475 in Junction City is currently participating in the pilot, which aims to alleviate the intense pressure of blanket testing days. The board plans to gather feedback from the pilot cohorts to determine if Manhattan should adopt the quarterly testing model in the future.
District partners with K-State to advance 'science of reading' initiative
MANHATTAN, Kan. — In response to new state mandates regarding the "science of reading," Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 is partnering with Kansas State University to ensure student teachers are placed in classrooms specifically during high-quality literacy instruction. Administrators announced that the district has also utilized Kansas State Department of Education support for specialized literacy training cohorts to upskill current educators. Furthermore, the district is exploring upcoming state funding opportunities to meet an aspirational goal of placing a dedicated reading specialist in every elementary building.
Early learning report shows significant gains after program integration
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The annual Early Learning Program report highlighted significant improvements in student outcomes since the district integrated its Head Start and traditional early childhood programs. According to director of early learning Elisabeth Nelson, the percentage of students achieving benchmarks on track with national norms jumped from 32% to 49% following the consolidation. Board members praised the detailed data report, noting that the statistics demonstrate the success of the integrated, inclusive model over the district's previous, isolated Head Start program.
District monitors proposed federal changes to Head Start regulations
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Local early learning administrators are preparing for potential overhauls to federal Head Start regulations, which are currently in an open public comment period until Oct. 6. While some staff initially welcomed the prospect of reduced federal red tape, administrators cautioned the board that cuts to regulations are historically accompanied by reductions in funding. The district is currently working with the Kansas Head Start Association to analyze how the simplified rules could impact the comprehensive, family-focused services currently provided in Manhattan.
College Football Playoff Foundation sponsors surprise library makeover
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Woodrow Wilson Elementary School received an "Extra Yard Makeover" of its library, fully sponsored by the College Football Playoff Foundation, the Big 12 Conference and Kansas State University. The library was kept secretly closed for the first two weeks of the school year to facilitate the comprehensive renovations. The project culminated in a grand reopening celebration that featured appearances by Kansas State University athletes, cheerleaders, Willie the Wildcat and athletic director Gene Taylor.
Manhattan High School named finalist for performing arts excellence
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Manhattan High School has been selected as one of 23 schools recognized statewide as a finalist for the 2026 Performing Arts School of Excellence award by the Kansas State High School Activities Association. The board formally recognized the achievement, praising the students, educators and directors for their dedication to the arts. During board comments, members noted that the high school's choir program's enduring success is largely due to exceptional leadership stability, having employed only two choir directors — Dan Commerford and Chad Pape — over the last 43 years.
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