For the last eleven years Superintendent Bob Shannon has led USD 383 to new heights, but last night he said goodbye to the administrators and board members of the Manhattan-Ogden school district.
In his final spoken report to the board, Shannon delivered his final end-of-the-year report and talked about the success and challenges presented over the last year. He also reflected on some of the challenges they have overcome in the last 11 years which includes a bond issue and building remodeling. While Shannon was largely complementary to the employees of the district, he also warns of the challenges ahead.
“The financial condition of the state and it’s impact on the local USD is not going away,” Shannon said. “The stress and pressure on you and everyone on the local level is something you’re going to need to be able to work with.”
Board members took turns going around the table and expressing their gratitude for his service to the district. Shannon has worked in schools throughout Kansas and Nebraska, and board member Dave Colburn said it is possible he has touched thousands of lives.
The board also heard from Matt Davis, maintenance director for the district. Davis updated the board about water damage at Amanda Arnold Elementary. On June 19, a broken toilet flooded the northeast corridor of the school which includes 13 classrooms and the library. Davis said a professional crew drained more than 1,000 gallons of water from the school. Crews will inspect the building for mold before classes begin in August.
In new business, the board talked about renovations at the MHS Rezac Auditorium, and voted to donate a small piece of land to the city of Manhattan. The board will have their next meeting on July 6.
