The Manhattan School Board finally filled out its board and welcomed Barbara Epps and Christopher Boswell.
After no one had run to fill the two vacant two-year terms on the school board, the board accepted letters of interest for about a month before beginning the interview process. At the last board meeting, Vice President Emily Wesel advised several people had submitted letters of interest.
Barbara Epps previously had served on the Manhattan Park District Board before being defeated in the last election by newcomer Nick Goodwin. Epps has three sons in the district.
“I’m here now, right where I should be, and I’m excited,” Epps said of her appointment to the school board.
Boswell has children in the district and has a degree in education.
“I am super honored to be on the school board. My dad served on the school board when I was a kid for 12 years. I just want to be a part of making sure my kids’ education continues to be what I’ve seen in the two years that I’ve had kids in the district,” Boswell said, adding he wants to make sure teachers have all the resources they need to continue.
New Board Committees Assigned
Now that the district has a full board, Board President John Burke suggested they determine who will sit on the committees, which should meet monthly and report back to the board.
The board requires members to sit and vote for two boards: the Illinois Association of School Boards, of which Emily Wesel will serve, as well as the Lincolnway Special Education Board 843, of which Erica Aultz will serve.
Committee appointments include: Barb Steffen and Brian Anderson for building and development; Burke and Steffen – finance; Wesel and Epps – special education; Boswell and Anderson – policy curriculum; and the safety committee, on which Epps and Aultz will serve.
Retiring Supt. Dr. Ron Pachecho Honored by School Board
Burke interrupted the meeting’s regular agenda to call attention to Dr. Ron Pacheco who will retire as of July 1, and the board wanted to recognize his service, as well as his leadership, during a challenging time for the district at the board meeting.
Anderson presented Pacheco with a large, handcrafted wooden sign to commemorate Pacheco’s years of service to the district. Wesel presented Pacheco with a gift basket on behalf of the board.
“Thank you for everything you’ve done. We couldn’t have made it without you, and also for being a wonderful principal, too,” Wesel said when handing Pacheco the present.
Pacheco then told the board and those present at the meeting that it was his honor to serve the district, and he did it because he loved the schools and the community.
A tearful Pacheco recalled the decision to un-retire for a year to serve the school district for another year, while they found a permanent superintendent.
“I said to Joyce, we had to be a team on this because she already was retired, and we already had life plans. She goes, Ron, I will support you, and we only did it because we love this town, and we love this district,” Pacheco noted.
“Moving forward, Dr. Aherne is going to do such amazing work in this district. He’s had time to speak with me, he’s going to do great things, and he’s going to bring everyone together. I really hope that as a community and as a board, we give everyone a clean slate this year,” Pacheco said.
Pacheco concluded by thanking his wife, noting what a toll the position had taken on him during the past year, and how much time it had taken away from his family. He is looking forward to spending more time with them.
Pacheco received a standing ovation after his emotional, heartfelt speech.
District Financial News
The district passed the fiscal year 2025 amended budget and the administrative cost limitation hearing after Pacheco reviewed the changes. He noted the total fund expenditures for the education, operations, and maintenance funds remained unchanged, and the bond and interest fund expenditures were reduced, as was the IMRF fund. No changes were reported for the capital projects fund; however, just under $5,000 was added to the activity fund.
Administrative costs that exceeded the 5 percent limitation were for the salaries of the superintendent and special education directors. Pacheco explained the district routinely approved these administrative costs.
The board abated a portion of the bond interest to ensure the tax rate remained the same, which also required transferring some funds within district accounts. Additionally, they approved the treasurer’s bond renewal, which is a yearly practice.
Lauterach and Amen, LLP, has begun their audit of district finances and will be on site the week of July 7. Pacheco informed the board the auditors advised the district that, since there are four sites where art activities can take place, each site requires a unique account. The board approved the change.
With regard to contracts, the board approved prevailing wage rates for contractors, as well as a one-year food service contract renewal with Quest, which came at a 3.6 percent increase over last year.
“Quest is literally the only service provider that will go out to Manhattan, so there was no one else that bid,” Burke said, noting they tried to find other bidders. He also said they will not increase food prices this upcoming school year.
Staffing Changes
Kim Maher, who has served in multiple roles in different disciplines in the district, including as a teacher, Wilson Creek Elementary Principal, director of staff development, communications, and human resources, was appointed the treasurer. Aherne will be the treasurer of activity accounts.
The board approved a number of staffing changes, but notably included hiring Andrea Popovich as HR Specialist. Maher, whose title in the 2024-2025 student handbook previously included human resources, will continue to serve as the Director of Staff Development and Communications. There were also a handful of resignations the board approved.
Other News
Construction is moving along in the additions to the new junior high, including the new board room. Burke quipped it would be nice not having to be on a stage, and that he was looking forward to its completion after seeing a preview with the rest of the board. Steffen reported things are moving along at Anna McDonald.
Wesel took a moment to acknowledge the success of the junior high graduation ceremony.
Vice Principal Gina Burlison recognized the MJHS Track and Field team for its accomplishments at sectional and state competitions.
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.