Takeaways from Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 school board meeting
Week of February 6, 2026
Superintendent contract extended through 2029
Enrollment drop could impact future funding
District releases data on school start time changes
Board deadlocks on $388,000 student iPad purchase
Board approves $375,000 for Lee Elementary playground
State cuts funding for teacher mentoring program
Legislative update highlights special education funding gap
Board members criticize proposed state curriculum and device bills
Midyear graduates double, signaling shift in student paths
Scholars Bowl team clinches fifth league title
Superintendent contract extended through 2029
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 Board of Education unanimously voted Wednesday to extend Superintendent Eric Reid's contract through the 2029 fiscal year. The extension adds one year to his existing agreement, securing his leadership of the district for the next three years.
Enrollment drop could impact future funding
MANHATTAN, Kan. — A midyear report presented to the school board shows a decline of approximately 200 students compared to the previous year, a drop administrators attribute to lower birth rates and statewide trends. Although the district's current funding relies on last year's higher enrollment figures, officials warned that the sustained decline will affect next year's budget decisions, including potential cost-of-living raises.
District releases data on school start time changes
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The district published comprehensive survey data on its website this week to address community questions regarding the shift in school start and end times for the 2026-27 school year. Administrators also released a summary document and a frequently asked questions section to respond to parent concerns about the upcoming schedule changes.
Board deadlocks on $388,000 student iPad purchase
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The school board rejected a $388,800 proposal to purchase student iPads from Apple Inc. following a 3-3 tie vote Wednesday. Board members debated the necessity of a one-to-one device model and the current use of technology in classrooms before casting the split vote. Despite rejecting the student devices, the board voted 5-1 to approve a separate $162,000 purchase for staff iPads, with the dissenting vote attributed to concerns over the one-to-one model.
Board approves $375,000 for Lee Elementary playground
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The board granted final approval Wednesday for a $374,962 project to install synthetic turf and replace playground equipment at Lee Elementary School. Aspire to Play LLC of Oak Grove, Missouri, will manage the project, which includes shade structures funded entirely by the Lee Elementary PTO through local fundraising.
State cuts funding for teacher mentoring program
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Kansas Legislature has eliminated reimbursements for the district's teacher mentoring program in the current budget, forcing the district to use carryover funds to cover the typical $1,000 stipend per mentor. School officials expressed concern that the funding remains zeroed out in current legislative budget recommendations for the upcoming fiscal year.
Legislative update highlights special education funding gap
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Board members discussed the ongoing special education funding shortfall, which currently amounts to approximately $1,000 per student and requires the district to cover costs with general funds. The board urged community advocacy, noting that current legislative proposals offer only token increases that do not meet the statutory requirement to cover 92 percent of excess special education costs.
Board members criticize proposed state curriculum and device bills
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Board members voiced opposition to two bills currently in the Kansas Senate, arguing the legislation would disrupt local control and technology access. The board criticized Senate Bill 381, which would mandate instruction on communism and socialism, and Senate Bill 350, which proposes age-appropriate restrictions on school-issued devices that members said could effectively end the district's one-to-one technology program.
Midyear graduates double, signaling shift in student paths
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Manhattan High School reported 60 midyear graduates this semester, double the historical average of 30. Administrators attributed the increase to the efficiency of the Alternative Learning program and a growing trend of students seeking to enter the workforce or post-secondary education ahead of schedule.
Scholars Bowl team clinches fifth league title
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan High School Scholars Bowl team won the Centennial League tournament for the fifth time in seven years, finishing the regular season undefeated with victories in 11 of 18 tournaments. The team will defend its Class 6A state championship title at the state tournament hosted at Manhattan High on Feb. 14.
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