MH 114 June 2

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.

Latest News Stories

Homeland Secretary: Pritzker, Johnson are protecting dangerous criminals

Homeland Secretary: Pritzker, Johnson are protecting dangerous criminals

By Jim TalamontiThe Center Square U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have arrested criminals who would still be on the streets...
Reports: DOJ probing NY AG's fraud case against Trump

Reports: DOJ probing NY AG’s fraud case against Trump

By Chris WadeThe Center Square The Justice Department has subpoenaed New York Attorney General Letitia James as part of an investigation into whether she violated President Donald Trump's civil rights...
Trump warns of 'Great Depression' if appeals court curbs tariff power

Trump warns of ‘Great Depression’ if appeals court curbs tariff power

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump said Friday that if an appeals court curbs his tariff authority, America could sink into a "Great Depression." The U.S. Court of...
Illinois in focus: DHS announces new facility; NFIB urges veto of regulations; minority scholarship lawsuit moves forward

Illinois in focus: DHS announces new facility; NFIB urges veto of regulations; minority scholarship lawsuit moves forward

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square DHS announces new facility U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has returned to Illinois to discuss expanding detention facilities for what...
Abbott to call 'special session after special session' in response to AWOL Dems

Abbott to call ‘special session after special session’ in response to AWOL Dems

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed what many in Austin speculated: he will call special session after special session until bills are passed. Abbott called the current...
WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Friday Aug. 8th, 2025

WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Friday Aug. 8th, 2025

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop covers the latest...
Legislator urges leaders to focus on relief for Illinois’ high property taxes

Legislator urges leaders to focus on relief for Illinois’ high property taxes

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – With Illinois now being home to the highest property tax rates in the country, state Rep....
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary: Manhattan Village Board for August 5, 2025

The Manhattan Village Board approved a major road resurfacing contract, implemented a local grocery tax to replace state funds, and hired a new full-time accountant during its meeting on Tuesday,...
Texas House, Illinois state senator sue 33 AWOL Democrats in Illinois court

Texas House, Illinois state senator sue 33 AWOL Democrats in Illinois court

By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Texas House of Representatives has sued 33 House Democrats who absconded to Illinois to prevent...
WATCH: Democrat state redistricting efforts created unfair advantages, lawmaker says

WATCH: Democrat state redistricting efforts created unfair advantages, lawmaker says

By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – While Democratic lawmakers from California to New York have threatened to redistrict in response to Texas'...
Illinois quick hits: Fatal helicopter crash; Comptroller orders another extra pension payment

Illinois quick hits: Fatal helicopter crash; Comptroller orders another extra pension payment

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Fatal helicopter crash Two people are dead after a helicopter crashed into a barge on the Mississippi River. The Federal Aviation...
MH VB 8.5.25

Village Board Approves Comprehensive Update to Employee Personnel Manual

MANHATTAN – The Village of Manhattan has updated its employee personnel manual for the first time since 2018, adopting a series of amendments to formalize policies and reflect current practices....
New poll: 50.2% of Illinois voters view Pritzker unfavorably

New poll: 50.2% of Illinois voters view Pritzker unfavorably

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new poll shows that Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s approval rating has flipped negative for the first time....
WATCH: Pritzker welcomes FBI looking for TX Dems in IL, dismisses bribery question

WATCH: Pritzker welcomes FBI looking for TX Dems in IL, dismisses bribery question

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As the FBI gets involved in locating Texas Democrats hiding out in states like Illinois, Gov. J.B....
MH VB 8.5.25

Manhattan Awards $537,907 Contract for Hanover Estates Road Resurfacing

MANHATTAN – The Village of Manhattan has awarded a $537,907.85 contract to D. Construction, Inc. of Coal City for its Fiscal Year 2026 Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) resurfacing project, which...