Award-winning German teacher to retire

Board speaks out in defense of public education

Board highlights special education staffing success amid funding concerns

Board praises 2026-2027 capital outlay budget planning

Board accepts over $11,000 in community donations

State assessment data shows consistent growth across subgroups

District reports 88.9 percent graduation rate for traditional students

Manhattan High School blood drive exceeds goal

Award-winning German teacher to retire

MANHATTAN, Kan. - The Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 Board of Education reluctantly accepted the retirement of Manhattan High School German teacher Elke Lorenz, effective at the end of the school year. Lorenz, who has been with Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 since August 2003, was recently recognized as the Kansas World Language Association Teacher of the Year. The board praised Lorenz's contributions to the district, noting her departure will be a significant loss for the high school's language department.

Board speaks out in defense of public education

MANHATTAN, Kan. - In response to a perceived lack of Kansas Legislature support and funding, the Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 Board of Education dedicated a significant portion of its meeting to advocating for the benefits of public education. Personal stories and statistics were shared detailing how public schools drive economic development, act as the "great equalizer" for students in poverty and provide vital life skills. The board noted that with 47 percent of Manhattan-Ogden USD 383's students on free or reduced-price lunch, fully funded public schools are essential to breaking cycles of poverty in the community.

Board highlights special education staffing success amid funding concerns

MANHATTAN, Kan. - The Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 Board of Education reviewed the annual special education and gifted programs report, celebrating that 13 staff members recently completed requirements to become fully licensed. However, strong concerns were voiced over Kansas state-level underfunding for special education. Recent budget reductions in neighboring Wamego USD 320 were referenced as a warning sign of the consequences of the Kansas Legislature's lack of financial support for special education programs.

Board praises 2026-2027 capital outlay budget planning

MANHATTAN, Kan. - The Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 Board of Education reviewed the capital outlay budget planning report for the 2026-2027 school year, commending administrators for their proactive approach to facility maintenance. The district's long-term facility planning was highlighted as one of its greatest strengths, ensuring that capital improvement projects are adequately funded and scheduled well in advance without placing sudden or unexpected burdens on taxpayers.

Board accepts over $11,000 in community donations

MANHATTAN, Kan. - The Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 Board of Education unanimously approved several community donations through its consent agenda, totaling more than $11,000 for various academic and extracurricular programs. Notable contributions included a $5,775 donation for Manhattan High School cross country entry fees, $2,750 for cross country uniforms and travel and a $1,300 grant from the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation for the Ogden Elementary School book fund.

State assessment data shows consistent growth across subgroups

MANHATTAN, Kan. - The Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 Board of Education reviewed the district's annual accountability report Monday, highlighting consistent academic growth in Kansas state assessment scores across all student demographic subgroups over the last two years. While math and science scores saw upward trajectories under Kansas's new testing cut scores, administrators emphasized that the district will continue to prioritize small-group interventions and data tracking to further boost achievement and close learning gaps for students with disabilities and English language learners.

District reports 88.9 percent graduation rate for traditional students

MANHATTAN, Kan. - During Manhattan-Ogden USD 383's annual accountability presentation, administrators reported an 88.9 percent four-year graduation rate for traditional brick-and-mortar students in the previous school year. The district's overall dropout rate sat at 3.1 percent, which accounts for students who discontinued their education, pursued a General Educational Development certificate or moved without notifying the district. Administrators also noted that chronic absenteeism is slowly decreasing following a significant spike during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the district's overall attendance rate hovering near 93 percent.

Manhattan High School blood drive exceeds goal

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Manhattan High School students surpassed expectations during a recent campus blood drive, drawing 51 donors. Student council representative Sophia Hoeme reported to the Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 Board of Education that the event beat its goal of 42 participants. The student council also announced upcoming spring events, including the school's prom scheduled in April and a new intramural-style competition featuring flag football, dodgeball and volleyball.

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