August 7, 2023
Dear Parents, Community Members, Students and Guardians:
It is hard to believe we will start school in a few weeks. I want to welcome everyone back to the 23-24 school year. The past school year brought a number of challenges, changes and celebrations to our district and we are looking forward to what the 23-24 school year has in store.
This is an exciting time for IKM-Manning. The collaboration of the school board, community members, staff and students provided the district with a long-term strategic plan which was approved last school year. A Revenue Bond passed that will go to bid in late October with work aiming to start in spring 2024. The project will allow for a second gym, new locker rooms and new classrooms to enhance our Spark and Fire programs. There is also a hopeful plan for a commons area. While our Construction Management firm has presented different options and alternatives in the bid package, the volatile construction market poses unpredictability in bid outcomes. The design phase is currently underway. Hopefully everything on the wish list comes in at or below budget on bid day. Alternates, which include eliminating a full commons, will be used if bids come in higher than anticipated. The project, once started, should take 15 months to complete.
In addition, at the July Board meeting, there was a public forum with over 85 people in attendance to talk about how the district should continue to move forward with facilities. I was thankful to see the large number of people who are passionate about our district. The three options discussed were not going forward with a general obligation bond, conducting repairs and expansions to both buildings, or consolidating to one location. The Board will finalize their decision in August, and further updates will be shared as soon as possible. The Board and I are grateful for the engagement of our community in shaping the district’s path forward.
As an administration, we are committed to supporting our faculty and fostering an atmosphere that promotes a community of learners. As a district, we will continue to strive for child centered instruction and data based decision-making. We will focus on best practices ensuring academic excellence, trust, respect and the recognition of both student and staff successes. At the high school level, we will continue to look at different career pathways for our students, whether it be a four year college, two year college, trade school, apprenticeship, or entering the workforce immediately after high school.
The spring of 2023 brought changes in our state’s legislation. The district will have updates for curriculum, books and other required information posted on our website. We are still waiting on guidance in a few areas. I will share additional information as it becomes available.
The last few months have provided us with the opportunity to step back, reflect and now plan for a successful year at IKM-Manning. We will continue to utilize the Strategic Plan that was implemented during the 2022-23 school year. The Building Leadership Teams will also be meeting to help determine building and district goals.
I want to welcome Nolan Shanks, our new 4-12 Principal. Mr. Shanks is not new to the district, but has taken on additional responsibilities. The entire administrative team has been working hard this summer preparing for the school year, hiring new staff members and focusing on the path forward of our district and communities.
Here are some important facts for the start of the 23-24 school year:
Registration has been posted on our website and can be done online.
Building Secretaries return on Tuesday, August 8. Building hours are 8:00am-4:00pm.
Friday, August 18th at 1:00 p.m. in the HS Auditorium: Freshman and New HS student Orientation.
Tuesday, August 22nd: Open House for Preschool - 12th grade from 4:00-6:00 pm.
Wednesday, August 23: First Day of School for Kindergarten - 12th grade.
Monday, August 28: First Day of Preschool.
I hope everyone has had a great summer and is as excited as we are to return to school.
Sincerely,
Mr. Trevor Miller
Superintendent