Board laments state interference despite successful high school cell phone policy

Board sounds alarm over potential state funding cuts

District pursues bond refinancing to save taxpayers half a million dollars

Board approves $148,000 tech equipment purchase in rare split vote

Grant money shields district from professional development cuts

Marlatt Elementary parking lot replacement approved for $471,500

Fort Riley partnership bolsters summer STEM programs

Local art students honored in districtwide student art show

Board laments state interference despite successful high school cell phone policy

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Despite reporting a successful first year of a localized personal electronic device policy at Manhattan High School, the board of education expressed frustration over impending state requirements. High school administrators reported that 92 percent of educators saw improved student engagement under the district's current phone restrictions. However, new state rules will require schools to adopt more uniform limits that keep devices securely stored and inaccessible to students during the school day. The board criticized lawmakers for stripping the district of local control, forcing administrators to rewrite their handbooks before September without providing additional funding for implementation.

Board sounds alarm over potential state funding cuts

MANHATTAN, Kan. - The board criticized the Kansas Legislature during the meeting, citing proposed cuts to public education funding that would impact Unified School District 383. The board noted a $6 million local option budget shortfall required to backfill underfunded special education mandates, alongside a potential $1.5 million cut to at-risk funding. The board urged the community to advocate for fully funded public education, warning that state-level reductions could threaten teacher wages, staff retention and specialized academic programs.

District pursues bond refinancing to save taxpayers half a million dollars

MANHATTAN, Kan. - The board unanimously authorized the preparation of a sale for general obligation refunding bonds, Series 2026, targeting the district's 2016 outstanding bonds. Financial advisors from Piper Sandler noted that despite recent bond market volatility, the district could potentially save taxpayers a minimum of $500,000 in interest costs over the next four years. The authorization does not lock the district into a rate but allows advisors to prepare documents and monitor the market for an optimal lock-in period within the coming weeks.

Board approves $148,000 tech equipment purchase in rare split vote

MANHATTAN, Kan. - In a rare split decision, the board voted 6-1 to approve the purchase of iPad cases, chargers and adapters from Apple Inc. for $148,720. The equipment is deemed necessary to support the district's one-to-one technology initiative and testing protocols. The non-unanimous vote highlighted reservations regarding the cost of the accessories.

Grant money shields district from professional development cuts

MANHATTAN, Kan. - The board unanimously approved over $52,000 in professional development contracts funded entirely through the district's Department of Defense Education Activity grant. The board praised the use of the federal grant, noting that relying on DoDEA funds shields the district from having to dip into vulnerable state at-risk dollars to provide training for local educators.

Marlatt Elementary parking lot replacement approved for $471,500

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Significant infrastructure improvements are coming to Marlatt Elementary following the board's unanimous approval of a $471,500 bid from Manhattan-based Schultz Construction. The contract will cover the complete replacement of the school's aging parking lot. The project is part of the district's broader capital outlay plan to maintain and upgrade school facilities over the summer break.

Fort Riley partnership bolsters summer STEM programs

MANHATTAN, Kan. - A report on the district's Fort Riley partnership highlighted the expansion of summer science, technology, engineering and mathematics camps, supported by federal grant funding. The three-week June program will feature partnerships with Kansas State University and local businesses, offering courses ranging from environmental science and drone operation to medical labs and golf-course engineering. The district currently serves roughly 630 military-connected students, and administrators emphasized how the military partnership continues to enrich academic offerings for the entire community.

Local art students honored in districtwide student art show

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Three Unified School District 383 student artists were formally recognized by the board for award-winning submissions to a districtwide student art show sponsored by the Manhattan-Ogden Public Schools Foundation in partnership with the Beach Museum of Art. Two high school students received top honors in overall and 3D categories, while one middle school student won the 2D middle school division. The competition featured over 1,000 original pieces of student artwork.

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