Dear Staff and Community Members,

As we close the second quarter of the 2025–2026 school year, Manhattan Schools continue to thrive thanks to the dedication of our staff, the achievements of our students, and the support of our community.

High school students are finishing semester exams, and K–8 students are completing the second quarter. Teachers continue to engage in professional development focused on instruction, curriculum, school culture, and student success, helping ensure high-quality learning across all grades. We are also proud to share that Ms. Fulp, our Middle School Principal, has been selected by School Administrators of Montana (SAM) to present at the upcoming Montana Principals Conference. Ms. Fulp will share her expertise on school culture, highlighting the positive environment our staff and students work hard to create each day.

The athletic complex project is currently in an informational phase as the District works to gauge community support for a potential bond election to either build a new facility or renovate the existing one. Regardless of the outcome, the District has the responsibility and a legal requirement to address an Office for Civil Rights complaint alleging disability discrimination due to limited access at the current football and track facility. Architectural renderings, cost estimates, and frequently asked questions are being shared through our website, newsletters, and community events so residents can stay informed and provide feedback. Necessary upgrades to the bleachers, track, and related areas will be completed to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities. We encourage anyone with questions or concerns to reach out directly to my office.  We also ask that community members avoid posting information on social media that is not based on verified facts, so that discussion remains accurate and productive.

The Broadway Culvert Project is nearly complete, with only the paving of the road remaining, which is scheduled for this spring. The District is grateful to the Town of Manhattan for facilitating this project efficiently, with minimal disruption to the elementary school. We also sincerely thank parents and community members for their patience and understanding throughout this work.

Student activities and athletics continue to shine. Fall sports celebrated a state championship in football, and winter sports—basketball, wrestling, and speech and drama—are now underway. To better support student transportation, the Board approved a second activities bus, which is scheduled to arrive in March.

The out-of-district application for Manhattan Schools for the 2026–2027 school year is now open. Current out-of-district students enrolling for next year should submit the FP-14 form by the deadline. Applications will be considered at monthly School Board meetings from February through May, based on space availability. To ensure consideration for a particular month, complete applications must be submitted by 4:00 PM on the Tuesday before that month’s Board meeting. For more details and to apply, visit the Enrollment link under the District channel on our website.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Together, we are ensuring every Manhattan student has access to a strong, vibrant educational experience.