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The Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education held its regular meeting on August 13, 2025. The video recording of the session is now available for public viewing.
The open session covered several topics, including superintendent and committee reports, an overview of the PACE framework, a summary of new IAR performance levels, approval of the Parent & Student Handbook, acceptance of a $20,000 donation from the Manhattan114 PTO, and approval of a collective bargaining agreement. Administrator reports were also presented.
Mrs. Kim Maher, Director of Communication, Development, and Safety, provided updates on district projects and community events. “Phase II Project Progress: Thanks to our STR and Pepper teams, along with Ryan's Building & Grounds team and the PureBrite crew, we are moved into the district administrative center and entering into final phases of construction in all areas of the Phase II project. We look forward to settling in and establishing these beautiful spaces in the coming months.”
She also noted recent partnerships with Will County Regional Office of Education (ROE), highlighting their back-to-school backpack event at Manhattan Junior High School on August 1st. “In addition to providing backpacks with school supplies to every child that attended, a food truck, mobile dentist, and community businesses and organizations provided services, giveaways, and information. It was well-attended and we appreciate Dr. Aherne, Dr. Caparelli-Ruff, and Principal Perillo stopping by too!”
Maher described efforts preparing for the new school year: “Our district office team has been working hard behind the scenes to prepare information and plans to ensure a smooth transition into the new school year for our families.” She added that lunch ordering will begin August 15th alongside release of homeroom assignments.
Mrs. Cheryl Donovan reported on curriculum developments: “August is an exciting time as we welcome staff and students back. I look forward to sharing both the PACE framework and the work that ISBE is doing to improve assessment and reporting practices tonight.” She mentioned updates made to eLearning plans due to changes in start/end times as well as preparations for implementing Eureka Math Squared materials.
Mrs. Julie Hantson thanked Holly Sears for her years of service while welcoming Jennifer Swanson as Student Services Secretary for 2025–2026: “We extend our heartfelt thanks to Holly Sears for her 12 years of dedicated service... Welcome to Jennifer Swanson as our new Student Services Secretary for the 2025–2026 school year.”
Ms. Cari Rohe highlighted building improvements at Wilson Creek Elementary: staff returned August 4th after cleaning crews prepared facilities; repainting brightened common areas; summer evaluations continued; interviews filled instructional assistant positions; class lists were finalized.
At Anna McDonald Elementary School—one of three schools within District 114—Mrs. Elise Kirk acknowledged staff contributions during classroom setup: “THANK YOU: Thank you to everyone that volunteered their time and energy to help prepare our building.” She credited building crews with facility upgrades such as gym floor installation.
Mr. Ryan McWilliams summarized building maintenance across Manhattan Intermediate School (MIS) sites: asphalt repairs were completed at playgrounds; modular units removed; gym floors replaced; concession/storage garage nearing completion.
Manhattan Junior High Principal Mr. Vince Perillo discussed student activities underway before classes resume later this month—including athletic tryouts/practices across baseball/softball/cross country/volleyball—and announced upcoming band/orchestra camps plus a summer concert scheduled for August 22nd.
According to state data compiled by the Illinois State Board of Education, Manhattan School District 114 serves Will County through Anna McDonald Elementary School, Manhattan Junior High School, and Wilson Creek Elementary School (Fact 1). The district employs about ninety-four teachers earning an average salary just over $53k per year—with nearly all teachers missing fewer than ten days annually—and has predominantly female teaching staff (Fact 2). Its student body is mostly White (87.7%), with Hispanic students making up nearly nine percent (Fact 3). In fiscal year 2020 spending per pupil was approximately $14k (Fact 4).
The next Board meeting will continue addressing ongoing projects as administrators prepare schools throughout District 114—which encompasses multiple campuses—for another academic year.
