Enrollment Growth Prompts Staffing Discussions as Construction Continues

Manhattan School District 114 continues managing significant enrollment growth while construction projects remain on schedule for completion by the end of the school year.

Current kindergarten enrollment of 218 students in 10 sections exceeds last year’s numbers by 38 students, creating planning challenges for the 2025-26 school year. With first grade currently operating nine sections, incoming kindergarten students would face class sizes of 24 students per section if current staffing levels remain unchanged.

Superintendent Dr. Ronald Pacheco presented enrollment projections showing the district typically sees 30-40 additional kindergarten registrations throughout the summer. The board approved posting for an additional first-grade teacher position to address anticipated overcrowding.

“Our ideal PreK to second grade class size are 18 to 20 students,” Pacheco explained to the board, noting that current projections would exceed those guidelines without additional staffing.

The enrollment growth reflects continued residential development in the Manhattan area and the district’s reputation for educational quality. Total district enrollment currently stands at 2,062 students across four buildings.

Construction updates provided by the administration indicate projects remain on target for June completion. Work includes administrative office space, conversion of garage space for occupational therapy services, and development of a practice gymnasium. The district plans to offer board members a construction walkthrough on June 17.

Building and Development Committee Chair Barbara Steffen noted that drywall installation is progressing in office areas, with the administrative center taking shape. The three-car garage conversion has been framed out, and concession stand construction underneath the new gymnasium is underway.

The enrollment growth and construction timeline coordinate with the district’s long-term planning for educational capacity and facility needs.