Manhattan School Board Approves Staff Changes, Healthcare Extension in Special Session

Manhattan School District 114’s Board of Education approved several personnel changes and a healthcare extension during a special meeting Monday evening, conducting most of its business in closed session.

The board unanimously approved leaves of absence for staff members Bonnie Carroll and Brittany McDonald for the 2025-2026 school year during the meeting at Manhattan Junior High School. Board members John Burke, Emily Wesel, Barbara Steffen, Erica Aultz and Brian Anderson were all present for the 5:31 p.m. session.

The meeting was primarily focused on personnel matters, with the board moving into closed session twice to discuss “Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Evaluation, Performance and/or Dismissal of Specific Employees” along with pending litigation and risk management issues, as allowed under state law.

Board Secretary Barbara Steffen made the initial motion to enter closed session at 5:32 p.m., which was seconded by Board Member Erica Aultz. The board returned to open session at 5:58 p.m. before entering a second closed session at 6:00 p.m., ultimately returning to public session at 8:21 p.m.

During the brief public portions of the meeting, the board also approved resignations for Emily Corcoran and Caroline Pesa-Miller, both effective at the end of the 2025 school year. All personnel decisions were approved by unanimous 5-0 votes.

In addition to staffing changes, the board unanimously approved a Healthcare Extension MOU (Memorandum of Understanding), though details of the agreement were not discussed in the public portion of the meeting.

The meeting agenda had listed 17 potential action items that could emerge from the closed session discussions, including employment decisions for certified and non-certified staff, administrative employees, contract amendments, resignations, retirements, transfers, disciplinary actions, and vendor agreements. However, only a handful of these items resulted in public votes.

No public comment was offered during the designated public comment period.

The special meeting format differs from the district’s regular monthly board meetings, which typically include more comprehensive business items and detailed discussion of district operations. The agenda indicated that action was expected to be taken on personnel matters following the closed session discussions.

Board President John Burke called the meeting to order after the Pledge of Allegiance, and Board Member Brian Anderson made the motion to adjourn at 8:22 p.m.

The district’s next regular meeting is scheduled for June 17, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Manhattan Junior High School, located at 15414 West Smith Road.