Manhattan School District 114 Honors Staff and First Responders Following Tragic Bus Accident

Manhattan School District 114 Meeting | February 11, 2026

Article Summary: Superintendent Dr. Damien Aherne publicly commended local first responders, district staff, and a Wilson Creek school counselor for their heroic actions during a fatal January 15 bus accident, while offering the district’s deepest condolences to the grieving family.

Accident Response Key Points:

• Superintendent Aherne offered heartfelt condolences to the Maurisak family on the tragic loss of their daughter, Makenna.

• Aherne praised a district bus driver for keeping his vehicle under control and students safe during the incident.

• Wilson Creek School Counselor Vicki McAndrew was recognized for immediately stepping in at the scene to calm and reassure students.

• The Manhattan Fire and Police Departments were thanked for their immediate response and later provided breakfast for district staff during an institute day.

During the Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Superintendent Dr. Damien Aherne took time to reflect on a recent community tragedy, offering condolences and praising the immediate, life-saving actions of local heroes.

The district is still reeling from a horrific traffic accident that occurred on the morning of January 15, the day after the board’s previous meeting.

“The district shared heartfelt condolences with the Maurisak family on the tragic loss of their daughter, Makenna, and continues to keep them in their thoughts,” Dr. Aherne stated.

Aherne formally thanked the district team for an “incredible response that was immediate, highly professional, and collaborative, working with our first responders to ensure our students were safe and our families were informed.”

Special recognition was given to the driver of the school bus involved in the morning route. “I’d also like to send a heartfelt thank you to the bus driver who managed to keep the bus under control and all of our students safe,” Aherne said. “His efforts were simply astonishing, and we are forever grateful to him.”

The superintendent also highlighted the extraordinary actions of Vicki McAndrew, a School Counselor at Wilson Creek. According to Aherne, McAndrew was by chance driving past the accident that morning.

“Vicki wasted no time in identifying herself to the bus driver, immediately stepping in to help reassure and calm our students until the emergency services arrived, and she was a tremendous help that morning,” Aherne said.

Following the accident, district leaders debriefed with the Manhattan Fire and Police Chiefs to recalibrate response protocols for improved chain-of-command efficiency. The deep community bond between the district and the emergency services was further displayed on the morning of the board meeting. Chief Malone and Chief Gully of the local fire and police departments provided breakfast for the district’s staff institute day to show their appreciation for the educators’ efforts in supporting students and families through the difficult weeks.