> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.citizenjournal.us/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Takeaways from Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 School Board Meeting - URL: https://www.citizenjournal.us/takeaways-from-manhattan-ogden-usd-383-school-board-meeting-20/ - Published: 2026-10-08T10:46:38.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-08T10:46:38.000Z - Description: Week of October 8, 2026 - Author: Cronkite - Tags: Manhattan, #summary, dnn # Board hears pushback on new three-tier busing schedule # Overtime report highlights potential savings from busing changes # Rising fuel costs squeeze transportation budget # Board approves security upgrades for Lincoln Education Center # Architect hired for Marlatt Elementary renovations # Manhattan High School principal announces retirement # Free meal qualifications jump dramatically since 2020 # District accepts over $71,000 in grants and donations # Chamber of commerce defends local tax abatements --- ### Board hears pushback on new three-tier busing schedule MANHATTAN, Kan. — Community and staff concerns regarding the district's newly implemented three-tier busing schedule and altered school start times were relayed during the Manhattan-Ogden Unified School District 383 board of education meeting. The board heard reports of elementary students arriving late, missing breakfast and experiencing extreme fatigue and behavioral issues due to the abrupt schedule shifts. While the tiered system was originally adopted to solve bus driver shortages and transportation budget deficits, officials urged a review of the system's unintended consequences, emphasizing that student well-being and family work-life balance must remain the priority. --- ### Overtime report highlights potential savings from busing changes MANHATTAN, Kan. — The district's annual overtime report revealed that the maintenance and transportation departments continue to account for roughly 70 percent of all staff overtime costs. However, officials expressed optimism that the district's newly implemented three-tier busing schedule will significantly reduce these figures moving forward. In previous years, the district was forced to pay maintenance staff time-and-a-half to drive buses due to severe driver shortages, a costly emergency practice expected to be minimized under the new scheduling model. --- ### Rising fuel costs squeeze transportation budget MANHATTAN, Kan. — Inflationary pressures on the district's transportation budget were highlighted when the board approved a $35,000 payment for a single load of bus fuel. It was noted during the meeting that the cost for a standard delivery from the Mid Kansas Cooperative Association historically ranged between $17,000 and $25,000\. District officials warned that these sharp price increases will put additional pressure on the overall budget as the district maintains daily transportation routes and extracurricular travel throughout the year. --- ### Board approves security upgrades for Lincoln Education Center MANHATTAN, Kan. — The board of education unanimously approved a $49,450 contract with a security contractor to install electronic access control upgrades at the Lincoln Education Center. The security project will enhance lock systems and entry controls at the facility. The funding represents a continued district effort to modernize access systems, secure entrances and monitor visitor traffic across Manhattan-Ogden Unified School District 383 campuses. --- ### Architect hired for Marlatt Elementary renovations MANHATTAN, Kan. — Marlatt Elementary School will undergo a comprehensive repainting and flooring replacement project following the board of education's unanimous approval of architectural services. The board awarded a $34,795 contract to Anderson Knight Architects of Manhattan to oversee the design, bidding and planning of the remodel. Officials praised the district's maintenance and facilities departments for their proactive approach to planning out repairs and preventing deferred maintenance across local school buildings. --- ### Manhattan High School principal announces retirement MANHATTAN, Kan. — Manhattan High School Principal Michael Dorst will retire at the end of his current term, closing out a tenure with the district that began in August 2008\. The board of education officially accepted his retirement alongside departures for a long-serving custodian, who started in 1984, and high school nurse Robin Mall. Officials dedicated a significant portion of the meeting to praising Dorst's steady leadership of the 2,000-student school, thanking him for navigating the campus through complex state educational shifts and administrative challenges. --- ### Free meal qualifications jump dramatically since 2020 MANHATTAN, Kan. — The number of Manhattan students qualifying for free meals — a metric with strict federal income requirements — has increased by 560 students since the 2020-2021 school year. Officials pointed out the dramatic rise during the district's annual at-risk program report, noting the increase occurred despite an overall reduction in the district's total student population. It was cautioned that these crucial funds, which support the district's most vulnerable families, could be threatened by potential state legislative recalculations in the future. --- ### District accepts over $71,000 in grants and donations MANHATTAN, Kan. — The district formally accepted $71,120.82 in community grants and donations to support various school programs, classroom supplies and extracurricular activities. Major contributions included over $27,000 from the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation for summer camp salaries and the high school counseling department, as well as $21,488 from the Major Saver fundraiser. Additional funds will support everything from Future Farmers of America national competition travel to elementary classroom televisions and safety gear. --- ### Chamber of commerce defends local tax abatements MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce presented a defense of local economic investment tools, arguing that property tax abatements are essential for job growth and community retention. To explain the potential impact on school district tax revenues, Chamber representative Jeff Wick highlighted the recent 10-year abatement granted to CivicPlus for its downtown headquarters. According to figures presented by Wick, the city forfeited approximately $3 million in property taxes but successfully retained a $9.6 million payroll, which the presentation claimed generated an estimated $146 million in total economic impact over the decade. 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