I am pleased to share an update on the successful start to the school year in the Manhattan School District. We have exciting goals and initiatives ahead, and I appreciate the continued collaboration and dedication from our staff, students, and community members.
The Manhattan School District continues to make strong progress across multiple areas this fall. A new School Resource Officer partnership with the Manhattan Police Department is being discussed. The potential partnership is supported by a $125,000 federal COPS Grant to enhance school safety and community collaboration. The long-awaited trophy wall celebrating student athletic achievements is nearing completion, with final mounting of trophies expected by the beginning of basketball season. Facility planning is advancing as the District advertised an RFQ on October 23 for a design/build athletic complex project proposal, with McKinstry under consideration. Enrollment continues to grow across all schools, reaching 727 students—up from 691 last year—reflecting strong community confidence. Additionally, professional development remains a key priority, with teachers engaging in district-wide training to strengthen curriculum, safety, technology, and strategic planning initiatives.
I invite you to join our monthly Superintendent Advisory Council meetings. Staff meetings begin at 4:00 PM, followed by parents and community members at 5:30 PM, every second Tuesday of the month in the high school activities room. Our November meeting will focus on updates to the Athletic Complex Project proposal that was published in the Bozeman Chronicle on October 23.
We are also seeking corporate sponsors to support our extracurricular and co-curricular programs. Most recently, the District purchased a new travel bus made possible through an anonymous $100,000 donation and support from the Manhattan High School Booster Club. The bus proudly features two corporate sponsors, Apex Asphalt and Central Plumbing and Heating, on its cargo doors. In addition, a generous donation from Mark and Chantel Doherty allowed us to install an in-ground sprinkler system for the softball facility. Advertising space on the new bus is still available. Interested businesses are encouraged to contact Athletic Director Nate Parseghian at ad@mhstigers.org or Business Manager Courtney Overbaugh at coverbaugh@mhstigers.org.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to transparency. I look forward to our ongoing collaboration as we work together to enhance the educational experience for all Manhattan students.
Sincerely,
Brian K. AyersSuperintendent
Manhattan Public Schools