Supt. Dr. Damien Aherne gave his first superintendent’s report after officially stepping into the role following the retirement of Dr. Ron Pacheco.
“Ron was a tremendous help, resource, and asset these past few months, as I’ve settled in and became familiar with the district’s operations and procedures. I hear that he’s still out there in the neighborhood running, so I’m sure we’ll see him sometime,” Aherne said, thanking Pacheco and wishing him well in retirement, as well as thanking the board, staff, and his family.
“It really feels like a fresh beginning with a new superintendent, new board, beautiful new building and, of course, the district office is going to be ready in a couple weeks. I’m absolutely excited to get started, and I’ve already met with my administrative teams to unfold and look into how we can best serve and support students and staff for the upcoming school year,” Aherne added.
Aherne noted that despite all the changes during the past year, the students seemed unaffected, which he attributed to staff and administration. He explained his focus has been on listening and learning, and that focus will continue.
District enrollment isn’t finalized, but Aherne estimates it will be around 2,000 students in the upcoming school year. Work is being done on the budget, and a tentative budget will be available at the August meeting. Additionally, the student handbook is under review and will be up for approval at the August meeting, as well.
Aherne also reported that Lauterbach and Amen, LLP, the district’s auditor, has recommended a capital asset policy, which currently is being developed.
Board member Erica Aultz reported Lincoln-Way Special Education is working on its tentative budget, which will be up for a vote and public hearing at their August 26 meeting. She also added they would have a meeting that would explain how the funds are allocated.
The board approved the consolidated district plan for fiscal year 2026, which is required by the state.
The MJHS building’s construction on the addition is almost complete, and a walk-through is scheduled for July 21.
President John Burke reported the finance committee met with Bernardi Securities to review their bond payment schedule, and they are exploring all options for managing them.
Although the district still is working on the details, fifth-grade students will soon have the opportunity to join the junior high volleyball and basketball programs, as they currently do with wrestling.
“If you look at studies, we know the more involved kids are, the better they do in school, the more connected they feel, the better their mental health is. It has numerous benefits when kids participate in athletics, activities, music, anything here at school,” Manhattan Junior High School Vice Principal Gina Burlison explained, as to why they decided to offer the opportunity to engage fifth-grade students in these sports.
MJHS will debut its new mascot “Demo” at the PTO Back to School Bash, scheduled for August 15, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Additionally, MJHS Principal Vince Perillo invited the board to participate in the Jog for Jackson 5K race, on August 2, at Round Barn Farm. The Jackson Lewis Memorial Foundation was created in honor of Jackson Lewis, a former MJHS student, who died by suicide in 2020. The goal is for the organization to raise awareness and help provide support for mental health in those 18 and under.
After closed session, the board approved the following new instructors: Brandon Egan for MJHS Physical Education and Health, Heather Obiala for eighth-grade social studies, and Jennifer Faruzzi for third-grade special education resource teacher.
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.