Development News for Manhattan, Kansas

Manhattan High School Industrial Arts Finishing Room Edition Project Approved

The board approved the Manhattan High School CTE Industrial Arts Finishing Room Edition Project. Riley Construction of Wamego, Kansas, submitted the accepted bid for $331,800. Board members Courtney and Kristen emphasized that this project will further expand CTE opportunities for students and enhance safety within the industrial arts program. The addition is seen as a valuable improvement to the high school's career and technical education offerings.

Missouri Employers Mutual Selected as Workers' Compensation Carrier

The board approved Missouri Employers Mutual as the district's workers' compensation insurance carrier for fiscal year 2027. The annual amount for this service is $269,602. This decision follows a bidding process for the vendor. Board member Kurt highlighted the cost savings achieved through this process, estimating around $45,000 in savings. The motion was made by Kurt and seconded by Greg.

Manhattan High School Video Production Control Room Addition Project Approved

The board gave final approval for the Manhattan High School Video Production Control Room Addition Project. The proposal submitted by Riley Construction of Wamego, Kansas, was accepted in the amount of $114,450. Board members Greg and Katie highlighted the project's significance in providing CTE students with a quality space to practice their craft, improve fan experience at events, and enhance the school's production capabilities. The project was viewed as exciting and beneficial for students.

Board Reviews Preliminary Budget Projections, Identifies Revenue and Expense Trends

The board reviewed preliminary budget projections for the upcoming fiscal year, noting a projected 2.9% increase in the base budget from the previous year. Key figures discussed included Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) student counts, weighted FTE adjustments for various services, and initial expense projections indicating an overall increase of $3.3 million. The board also considered potential cost decreases from LED retrofitting and a workers' compensation plan change, projected to save $60,000 annually and almost 12% respectively. Discussion also touched upon maintaining cash balances for unexpected expenses, managing cash flow, and mitigating funding instability, with a review of unencumbered cash balances over the last three years and earned interest on idle funds over the last six years. The cost of living weighting was also presented as an option for consideration, particularly in light of projected revenue decreases. The board was provided with a timeline for further budget planning, with additional information anticipated by the end of the month or early July.