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USD 383 board elects officers, approves grounds contracts and district training in unanimous votes
Summary
At its regular meeting the Manhattan‑Ogden USD 383 Board of Education elected Kristen Brighton president and Katie Allen vice president, approved grounds-upkeep contracts and authorized a districtwide Safe and Civil Schools professional learning contract; all recorded votes were unanimous (6–0).
The Manhattan‑Ogden USD 383 Board of Education took several formal votes during its meeting; all recorded outcomes were unanimous 6–0.
Elections and officer appointments
- Board president: Kristen Brighton was elected board president by paper ballot; the result was announced as “Kristen, 6–0.” The nomination was made by Board member Carla. This was an internal officer election for a one‑year term; no public roll-call tally with individual names was recorded in the transcript beyond the overall 6–0 result.
- Board vice president: Katie Allen was elected vice president; the chair announced “Katie, 6–0.” A nomination for Allen was put forward by a board member (Carla).
Consent agenda and calendar amendment
The board approved the consent agenda, which included December 2024 financial reports, the clerk’s and treasury reports, an activities report and the human resources report (which noted the retirement of reading-intervention teacher Karen Buell). The board also accepted donations listed in the consent packet totaling $7,240 for makerspace, sensory and activity support across multiple schools. The consent agenda passed 6–0 after an amendment to item 8.7 changing the last December meeting date to Dec. 17.
Contracts and professional learning
- Grounds and grounds upkeep contracts: The board gave final approval to bids for grounds and grounds-upkeep services by motion. The contracts awarded were to Harrington, Kansas (grounds/grounds upkeep) in the amount of $128,165 and to Augusta Lawn Care Services of Manhattan, Kansas in the amount of $45,947. The motion was moved by Board member Carla and seconded by Board member Christine. The board discussed that the RFP had been split into smaller packages to allow more bidders; staff noted an option clause if a contractor is unable to perform. The motion passed 6–0.
- Safe and Civil Schools professional learning: The board approved a professional-learning contract with Safe and Civil Schools for $34,180 to complete districtwide training and follow-up supports. The motion was made by Board member Christine and seconded by Board member Greg. Board members said this completes the program rollout across all buildings; the motion passed 6–0.
What this means
All formal approvals recorded in the meeting were unanimous. The grounds contracts shift routine grounds work from in‑house staff to contracted providers for the upcoming year; the district retains options to address performance differences. The Safe and Civil Schools contract completes a multi‑year training rollout intended to standardize practices across district buildings.
Votes at a glance
- Election: Kristen Brighton, president — outcome: elected (6–0) - Election: Katie Allen, vice president — outcome: elected (6–0) - Consent agenda (financial reports, HR report, donations, early learning report, resolution setting regular meeting times): approved (6–0); amendment to set Dec. 17 meeting date passed as part of motion - Contract award: Harrington, Kansas — $128,165 — approved (6–0) - Contract award: Augusta Lawn Care Services — $45,947 — approved (6–0) - Professional learning contract: Safe and Civil Schools — $34,180 — approved (6–0)
Ending
Board members requested a mid‑summer update on contracted grounds performance and noted staff will monitor contractor performance and return to the board if problems arise.
