Unified School District 383 maintains Aa2 bond rating

Board approves over $349,000 in facility upgrades

Student fees to remain flat for upcoming academic year

District sets zero capacity for out-of-district transfers

Concerns expressed over recent state education legislation

Summer reading program sites announced

Manhattan High School signs five-year Adidas sponsorship

Local educators honored with state teaching awards

Unified School District 383 maintains Aa2 bond rating

MANHATTAN, Kan. - District administration announced that Unified School District 383 has successfully maintained its Aa2 bond rating from Moody's Investors Service, the credit rating agency. The Aa2 rating represents strong financial health and allows the district to secure lower interest rates on its bonds, which ultimately saves taxpayer dollars. Administrators credited the district's disciplined cash balances and general financial management for securing the favorable review.

Board approves over $349,000 in facility upgrades

MANHATTAN, Kan. - The Board of Education unanimously approved four construction bids totaling $349,250 to Icon Structures of Manhattan for summer facility improvements. The approved projects include interior painting at Woodrow Wilson Elementary for $130,350 and Susan B. Anthony Middle School for $105,600. Additionally, the district will spend $63,250 on acoustic remediation in the Marlatt Elementary cafeteria and $50,050 for similar acoustic work in the Lincoln Education Center's second-floor commons area.

Student fees to remain flat for upcoming academic year

MANHATTAN, Kan. - The Board of Education approved the first reading of the student materials, textbook and general fee schedule for the upcoming school year, maintaining all current rates without increases. The administration's ongoing efforts to hold the line on costs were praised during the meeting, with officials noting that keeping fees flat represents good financial stewardship and provides economic stability for district parents.

District sets zero capacity for out-of-district transfers

MANHATTAN, Kan. - The Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution declaring zero available slots for new out-of-district student enrollment for the upcoming school year. Administrators explained that while the district is experiencing declining enrollment and reducing classroom sections at several schools, the decision to close out-of-district transfers ensures the district can maintain its targeted student-to-teacher ratios. Because the district reduced the number of teachers to match the lower enrollment, the remaining classrooms are full, leaving no available space for nonresident students. State law requires public school districts to calculate and publicly declare their capacity for nonresident students annually.

Concerns expressed over recent state education legislation

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Frustrations were voiced during the meeting regarding recent actions by the Kansas Legislature, citing concerns over state funding gaps and the erosion of local control. Criticism was specifically directed at proposed state legislation — including the recent amendment to Substitute for Senate Bill 315 — that would financially penalize school districts an amount equal to the superintendent's base salary in connection with student walkouts. This discussion was prompted by a recent Manhattan High School student walkout regarding immigration. Arguments were made that students possess a constitutional right to free speech, and concerns were raised that state mandates regarding student protests and school cellphone policies infringe upon the local board's ability to govern effectively.

Summer reading program sites announced

MANHATTAN, Kan. - During the annual Library Media and Instructional Technology report, officials announced the locations for the district's upcoming summer reading program. Sites will include Bluemont, Northview and Ogden elementary schools, with additional programming at Frank V. Bergman Elementary to support Extended School Year students. Bluemont Elementary will also host a new "Camp Kindergarten" initiative designed to prepare incoming young students for the upcoming school year.

Manhattan High School signs five-year Adidas sponsorship

MANHATTAN, Kan. - The Unified School District 383 Board of Education unanimously approved a five-year, exclusive apparel agreement with Adidas for Manhattan High School athletics. District administrators stated on the record during the meeting that Adidas approached the school due to the success of its football program and the brand's connection to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The contract will provide new uniforms and gear for virtually all varsity sports programs, a move administrators say will significantly offset equipment costs and reduce the need for student fundraising.

Local educators honored with state teaching awards

MANHATTAN, Kan. - District officials recognized several local teachers for their recent statewide achievements. Casey Ewy, an eighth-grade social studies teacher at Susan B. Anthony Middle School, was celebrated for receiving a Kansas Master Teacher honor recognizing a sustained career of excellence in education. Additionally, Manhattan High School science teacher Clancy Livingston and Northview Elementary third-grade teacher Sowmya Sugumaran were recognized by the district in connection with their nominations for the Kansas Teacher of the Year program.

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