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USD 383 board unanimously approves Head Start continuation, multiple capital projects and service contracts
Summary
The Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a Head Start continuation grant application, purchase technology, award multiple construction and safety contracts, authorize disposal of surplus equipment and extend the district copier services agreement.
The Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 Board of Education on March 26 unanimously approved a slate of motions that included a Head Start continuation funding application, several capital-improvement contracts and a five-year extension for district copier services.
The board approved final acceptance of an investigator’s findings and any recommended corrective actions earlier in the meeting and later voted to authorize a Head Start and Early Head Start continuation application for fiscal year 2025–26. Board members then approved purchases and construction bids for technology, building upgrades and safety systems, and voted to donate a waterline easement to the City of Manhattan. All recorded motions in open session passed without dissent.
Why it matters: The decisions authorize near-term spending and project work across multiple district sites and preserve federal Head Start funding that the superintendent said supports early learning programs. The copier contract extension and equipment disposals set service and operating costs for the next five years.
Board actions and key details
Votes at a glance (motions passed unanimously) - Accept investigator’s findings and recommended corrective actions — motion from Katie; second Jamie; outcome: passed 7–0 (transcript excerpt: “I move we accept the investigator's findings and any recommended corrective actions.”).
- Approve consent agenda (includes March 5 minutes, bills, February financial reports, donations and grants including a $4,000 donation from Ultra Electronics ICE Inc. and an $18,000 donation from Manhattan-Ogden Public Schools Foundation Kirmser Fund) — motion from Carla; second Greg; outcome: passed (vote recorded as carried).
- Head Start and Early Head Start continuation funding application for 2025–26 — motion from Kurt; second Jamie; outcome: passed 7–0 (motion text: “I move to get final approval to the head start and early head start continuation funding application for 20 25 26.”).
- Purchase of projectors from Howard Technology Solutions through Kansas state contract #55457 — motion from Carla; second Greg; amount: $39,174; outcome: passed 7–0.
- Disposal of surplus maintenance vehicles and equipment through Purple Wave Inc. (Manhattan) — motion from Kurt; second Katie; outcome: passed 7–0.
- Theodore Roosevelt Elementary handrail upgrade (Riley, Wamego) — motion from Jamie; second Carla; amount: $39,655; outcome: passed 7–0.
- Theodore Roosevelt playground equipment and synthetic turf replacement (Aspire to Play LLC, Oak Grove, MO) — motion from Carla; second Katie; amount: $357,241; outcome: passed 7–0.
- Multi-location acoustical remediation and painting (ICON Structures, Manhattan) — motion from Katie; second Kurt; amount: $233,200; outcome: passed 7–0.
- Lee Elementary fire alarm and mass notification upgrade (Guardian Electric, St. Marys, KS) — motion from Greg; second Katie; amount: $314,923; outcome: passed 7–0.
- Grant of a waterline easement on Lincoln Education Center’s northern boundary to the City of Manhattan as a donation (no compensation) — motion from Jamie; second Carla; outcome: passed 7–0.
- Copier services agreement extension with Century Business Services (government contract #0022025) — motion from Kurt; second (recorded); amount: $130,214 per year through 06/30/2030; outcome: passed 7–0.
What the board said and next steps
Board members made motions and brief remarks tied to specific items — for example, Jamie observed the Theodore Roosevelt handrails need replacement after use of the stairs, and Carla moved the projector and playground motions. Superintendent Dr. Allen had earlier briefed the board on federal funding issues and head start programs, which framed the vote to file a Head Start continuation application.
Timing and implementation: Contracts and purchases will proceed under the terms approved by the board; several projects are capital outlay items referenced in the board packet. The copier agreement establishes the district’s contracted provider through June 2030.
Ending note: All recorded open-session motions on the agenda were approved without recorded opposition; the board recessed to additional executive sessions during the meeting for matters discussed in closed session.
