A group of students were recognized for their achievements at the opening of Wednesday night’s USD 383 regular school board meeting. Manhattan High School Seniors Cathy Lei, Nathan McClendon, Josh Schwartz and Thomas Parish are all National Merit Semifinalists in a competition giving them the chance to earn scholarships out of a $33 million fund offered next spring.
Later after this recognition, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, Carol Adams, presented a summary highlighting the ups and downs of last summer’s student programs offered. Adams told the board that the district’s summer programs have been a large success overall. Between programs such as STEM and summer library hours, the district served over 4,000 students between the months of June and July. Adams did mention that STEM may be facing downsizing or overall length cuts pending funding decisions by the Department of Defense.
Assistant Superintendent Eric Reid also presented the official enrollment numbers from a district-wide student count on September 20th. Not including online learning programs or preschool and Head Start, enrollment at the Manhattan/Ogden school district increased slightly compared to last year by about 20 students.
The meeting closed after a motion to buy two new Class A busses for the district bus lot and dispose of six older busses through Purple Wave Auction located in Manhattan. The busses purchased were built in Hutchinson, KS. USD 383 mentions they are still hiring bus drivers to accompany their district’s team.
Next board meeting items, to be discussed on October 21st, include a federal report from the district’s Head Start program and a review or revision of the district’s facility use fees.
