The Manhattan School Board approved a settlement agreement to end a civil rights lawsuit filed by former Human Resources Director Christine Ruddy.
Ruddy sued the district at the end of August 2024, alleging sex-based discrimination, a hostile work environment, and sexual harassment. At the time of publication, a settlement notice had been published on the court’s docket, but the terms and amount had not been released. The board did not disclose the terms and amount at the meeting.
A second civil rights discrimination and harassment lawsuit filed against the district by former employee Susanne Lukaszek is still pending in court. However, docket notes show it may also be headed toward a settlement.
During the meeting, the district announced it had finalized the new four-tiered bell schedule, which had been somewhat controversial, with parents objecting to the proposed times.
The bell schedule will be as follows: Wilson Creek 9:10 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.; Anna McDonald 8:40 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.; Manhattan Intermediate 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; and Manhattan Junior High 8:00 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.
“[There has been] a lot of discussion about our transportation schedule for 2025-2026, and a lot of this just revolves around change and being apprehensive about change. It’s inevitable, looking at our footprint and looking at how our transportation system is not working correctly,” Superintendent Ron Pacheco said.
“If we had to grade ourselves on transportation, it would be a very poor grade, but we’ve been making the best of it. But it’s time to do it totally differently. We went through all the rationale of going to a four-tiered system,” Pacheco said.
Though Pacheco said he wished they could please all parents and families, there could never be a unified agreement. He explained that he and Kim Maher had been working with Lincoln-Way Transportation since the second day of school. He said they had been assured the four-tier schedule would eliminate the long, end-of-day bus runs.
Twenty-eight students will be introduced to the National Junior Honor Society. An art show will be held in May, and with regard to sports, the bowling team competed in sectionals, and the fishing club will have its first event at the Monee Reservoir. Spring plays are coming up, and the band has its IGSMA competitions this month.
With regard to finances, the budget amendment hearing will be held June 11. The Fiscal Year 2024 audit was approved without board discussion.
The board anticipates having its first meeting in the new administrative center in August. Pending weather, foundation work for the concession stand and storage building is scheduled to start soon.
The gymnasium at Anna McDonald School needs extensive repairs, as asbestos was found in the cement. President John Burke reported that remediation would take place over the summer, but the cost would be $90,000.
Vice President Emily Wessels reported that she found and reviewed several trainings available to new board members regarding legal procedures, board member conduct, and legal requirements of being on the board.
In other news, the district announced the vacancy of two two-year term board members since no one had run in the consolidated election for those seats. Interested applicants must submit qualifications for board review along with a written letter of interest to Superintendent Dr. Ron Pacheco at rpacheco@manhattan114.org by May 9.
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.