Manhattan 114 Explores Fifth-Grade Athletics as New Superintendent Lays Out Vision

In his first official report to the Board of Education, new Manhattan School District 114 Superintendent Dr. Damien Aherne outlined his initial priorities and introduced a significant proposal to expand athletic opportunities to fifth-grade students. The plan, presented as an informational item at the July 9 meeting, would pilot the inclusion of fifth graders in the junior high’s basketball and volleyball programs.

Dr. Aherne, who officially began his tenure this month, presented the idea as a powerful way to engage younger students and foster a stronger connection to the school community.

“Anytime we can reach the elementary students and make that connection to the junior high school, I think that’s powerful,” Dr. Aherne stated, noting that the district already allows fifth-grade participation in wrestling.

Principals believe the expansion would offer numerous benefits. Gina Pillo, a junior high administrator, explained the rationale behind the initiative, citing studies on student engagement.

“We know that the more involved kids are, the better they do in school, the more connected they feel, the better their mental health is,” Pillo said. “We’re always looking for ways to extend things to more kids.”

The goal is to build comprehensive programs rather than just individual teams. Pillo noted the district wants to “extend the opportunity to fifth graders who can play it at a developmentally appropriate level” without taking roster spots from sixth graders. The initial pilot would include boys’ and girls’ basketball and volleyball, with administrators currently working through the logistics.

The athletics proposal was a key part of Dr. Aherne’s broader introductory report, in which he pledged a transitional period of listening and learning.

“My focus here at the district over the past few months has been on listening and learning, and that work is going to continue,” he said, detailing meetings with teachers, principals, and directors. He plans to meet with community leaders and families in the coming months and will provide a transition update in October.

Dr. Aherne began his report by thanking his predecessor, Dr. Russell Pekco, for his long service and for being a “tremendous help and resource” during the transition. He also expressed gratitude to the board and staff for their professionalism and commitment through a period of significant change.

On district operations, Dr. Aherne provided several key updates:

• Enrollment: Current enrollment is approximately 1,838 students. He anticipates the final number will exceed 2,000 once Preschool for All and Early Childhood students are factored in.

• Budget: The district finished the 2025 fiscal year under budget. The tentative budget for FY 2026 will be presented for public review at the August board meeting.

• New Policy: Prompted by a recommendation from the district’s auditors, Lauderbach & Amen, the administration is drafting a Capital Asset Policy to provide better control and accountability over district assets. The policy will be reviewed by the board’s policy committee before being brought for a vote, possibly in August.

“It really feels like a fresh beginning with a new superintendent, new board, beautiful new building, and of course, the district office is going to be ready in a couple of weeks,” Dr. Aherne concluded. “I’m absolutely excited to get started.”