Manhattan Public Schools

There is a lot happening in Tiger Nation. We continue to work hard and are so proud of the effort put forth by our students and staff. In addition, the Board has approved opening the language in the Collective Gaining Agreement to reflect a four-day school week for the 2023-2024 school year. There is more information regarding this potential change below. The District is also getting ready for local school elections which will be held on May 2, 2023.

On January 31st, the Manhattan School Board held a Special Board Meeting to take action on the question of a four-day school week beginning in the 2023-2024 school year. The District recommended the Board give notice to the Manhattan Education Association (MEA) to reopen the Collective Gaining Agreement (CGA) to negotiate the Defined Duty Days found in Article VIII, Section 8.2, to reflect a four-day school week. This recommendation was based on the responses to the November and January surveys, as well as input provided at Superintendent Advisory Council meetings. The recommendation was also made with the understanding that there would be no additional cost to the school district to implement a four-day school week, and that measurable goals are clearly defined for the purpose of progress monitoring and accountability. The Board voted 5-1 in support to open the contract between Manhattan Public Schools and the MEA (the union). The expectation is that Manhattan Public Schools will implement a four-day school week beginning next year. However, there must be agreement between the union and the Board on the language changes to the CGA before the four-day week becomes official.

We would like to thank everyone who has been a part of the process. Manhattan Public Schools are committed to making knowledge-based decisions and your voice was a crucial part of that process.

Upon the completion of a successful negotiation, the District will begin the work of defining what Fridays will look like in a four-day school week. There is still much work to be done. The District will continue to solicit input from all stakeholders as we work to discern the best path forward for our students, staff, and families, in a timely manner.

Dear Manhattan Parents/Guardians and Community Members,

The Manhattan School District will recommend to the Board of Trustees at the February Regular Board Meeting a request for general fund operating levies in the elementary and high school districts, as well as new technology levies in both districts. Please reference the quarter 1 newsletter (see District website) for detailed information as to the need for requesting general fund operating and technology levies in both districts. In short, the passage of levies will allow the District to maintain current staffing, programming, and technology. Passage of levies may also allow the District to hire teaching and support positions that were not filled last year, as well as update core curriculum in all grades and content areas. Failure to pass levels will result in further cuts to staffing and programming.

The following cuts were made in order to balance the 2022-2023 general fund operating budget:

District ($58K - $37,700 Elementary; $20,300 High School)

• District Newsletter mailing

• Special Education Coordinator

• Assessment Coordinator

• Reduce Nurse ½ time

High School ($61,500)

• Distance Learning Paraprofessional

• Student Activities

Elementary ($68,200)

• K-4 Instructional Paraprofessional

• 5-8 Teacher (position not filled)

Athletics (fees increased for 2022-2023 to take pressure off of general fund operating budget and maintain athletic programs)

• 5th & 6th Grade Intramural Basketball

• Loss of instructional time due to travel; pressure on afternoon bus routes; pressure on general fund operating budget

• 7-12 Student Participation Fees

• $125 flat rate (includes spectator pass)

• Spectator Fees

• General Event Admission (at the gate)

K-12 students: $7 Adults: $10 Seniors 65+: $5

• Single Passes

K-12 students: $80 Adults: $100 Seniors 65+: FREE

• Bundle Passes (2+ passes)

K-12 students: $70 ea. Adults: $90 ea. Seniors 65+: FREE

Please join me the second Tuesday of every month for the Superintendent Advisory Council. Parents and community members meet from 5:30pm-6:30pm in the high school activities room to provide input on issues important to the District and community. The February, March, and April Superintendent Advisory Council meetings will focus on budgetary priorities and levies. I will be seeking advocates who are willing to engage the community in 1:1 conversation about the needs of our public schools. If general fund operating levies do not pass, the District will be forced to make additional cuts to staffing and programming, which could negatively impact our students. We look forward to working alongside community partners as we develop strategies for communication and advocacy.

Sincerely,

Brian K. Ayers, Manhattan Public Schools

CONGRATULATIONS to Payton Johnson on her first place finish at the Divisional Wrestling Tournament. Good luck at the State Tournament!

Photo Credit - Dan Chesnet

• The Tiger Softball Field is on track to be completed in time for our spring season. A big thank you to our community and corporate donations in getting this project off the ground and across the finish line!