> ## 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-21/ - Published: 2026-10-22T13:36:03.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-22T13:36:03.000Z - Description: Week of October 22, 2026 - Author: Cronkite - Tags: Manhattan, #summary, dnn # District reports significant student enrollment drop, anticipates budget impacts # District drastically reduces 'unknown' student exits to protect graduation rate # Board approves conservative at-risk student goals to protect state funding # District researching potential addition of girls flag football at Manhattan High # Board explores new limits on classroom technology and middle school device use # Committee resumes evaluation of school start and end times # Board explores stricter enforcement of public comment decorum --- ### District reports significant student enrollment drop, anticipates budget impacts MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 Board of Education reviewed a report indicating a continued, significant reduction in student enrollment compared to previous years, a trend that is expected to impact future budgets. Superintendent Eric Reid noted that while current funding is temporarily protected by a three-year rolling average calculation, the district is already reducing elementary class sizes through attrition. Approximately 1,200 students exit the district annually, and administrators attribute the recent overall decline to smaller incoming kindergarten classes failing to offset larger graduating senior classes. --- ### District drastically reduces 'unknown' student exits to protect graduation rate MANHATTAN, Kan. — In a major administrative win for the district, officials announced they have reduced the number of "unknown" student exits from 93 in the previous school year to just eight. Administrators credited the improvement to the efforts of building principals and office professionals who actively tracked down departing students to verify their new locations. Properly coding these student exits is vital for the district, as unaccounted-for students are counted as dropouts and negatively impact Manhattan High School's official graduation rate. --- ### Board approves conservative at-risk student goals to protect state funding MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 Board of Education approved state-generated goals for at-risk students, which notably included a minimal 0.1 percent improvement target for male at-risk students over four years. While board members expressed disappointment in the low expectation, administrators explained that failing to meet the Kansas State Department of Education's targets would result in a loss of state at-risk funding. The district plans to rely on internal action plans to strive for higher stretch goals while using the state's recommended system purely for funding compliance. --- ### District researching potential addition of girls flag football at Manhattan High MANHATTAN, Kan. — Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 administrators are conducting due diligence to potentially add girls flag football as a sponsored sport at Manhattan High School. The Kansas State High School Activities Association officially sanctioned the sport in April 2026, and local interest has grown following the successful launch of a high school girls flag football league run by Manhattan Parks and Recreation. Administrators noted they will carefully review the logistical and budgetary impacts of adding a new athletic program — including facility use and coaching staff — especially given current concerns over declining district enrollment. --- ### Board explores new limits on classroom technology and middle school device use MANHATTAN, Kan. — Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 Board of Education members reviewed a sample instructional technology plan from Wichita Public Schools as a potential framework for limiting passive screen time in Manhattan classrooms. The board expressed strong interest in creating a local policy that ensures technology is used for active learning rather than passive entertainment. A key point of future debate will be whether to follow Wichita's model of prohibiting middle school students from taking district-issued devices home, as the board balances concerns over tech troubleshooting for parents against maintaining equitable access to technology. --- ### Committee resumes evaluation of school start and end times MANHATTAN, Kan. — A Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 committee tasked with evaluating potential changes to school start and end times has resumed its work and will soon solicit community feedback. Administrators plan to review district attendance data and distribute a survey to parents, students and staff during the current nine-week grading period to gauge preferences. The Board of Education expects to receive the committee's findings and any proposed schedule adjustments either just before or shortly after the winter holidays. --- ### Board explores stricter enforcement of public comment decorum MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 Board of Education discussed updating and strictly enforcing the district's public participation policy to ensure speakers adhere to decorum guidelines during public comment periods. While the current sign-in policy limits discussing the behavior of school personnel, the board noted that some commenters have used the podium to speak about individuals who are not present in the room. The board's policy committee is expected to review the public comment guidelines in December to ensure they align with official expectations for meeting decorum. --- [Click here for local obituaries](https://cjus.me/ksu-obit?ref=citizenjournal.us) --- --- Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? 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