The IKM-Manning Community School District administration has provided a brief update to parents and guardians about upcoming activities, COVID protocols and administrative changes for the next school year. On Thursday evening, the IKM-Manning Board of Education held their regular meeting and voted to continue their mask mandate through the end of the school year, the last day of which is Thursday, May 13 for seniors, Friday, May 14 for preschoolers and Thursday, May 20 at 12:30 for all other students. Masks are required to be worn at all school settings. At this time, prom is planned for Saturday, April 17. Again, normal mitigation methods will be in effect, including wearing masks and social distancing as is practical. Any changes with COVID numbers could mean an alteration in these plans. Graduation is Sunday, May 16 and the administration is working on seating with additional information to be forthcoming in the weeks prior to graduation. Elementary and middle school Principal, Sharon Whitson, was approved for early retirement at an earlier board meeting, after serving for 14 years with the district. The prekindergarten through third grade position is being put out for applications with interviews possible as early as next week. That person will be responsible for the Irwin location and two preschool classrooms in Manning. Brian Wall, will be expanding his role beyond the high school to be principal for grades four through 12. Superintendent, Trevor Miller, will again be shared between the Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton and IKM-Manning districts on a 70/30 split. He will spend 70 percent of his time in the IKM-Manning District and the remainder at Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton.
