Manual held their fourth School Based Decision Making (SBDM) meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025.
The meeting started out with the approval of two new courses: a dual credit French course and a new business course. Several other courses were approved for name-only changes to align with state or departmental updates.
YPAS also presented requests to create additional courses designed for non-majors, such as a potential guitar class and a dual credit theater course. These classes would extend opportunities beyond introductory levels, helping ensure students have a clear answer to what they should take next to the professional level should they wish to continue in a YPAS discipline.
The counseling office received several scheduling related requests that did not require SBDM action. Allied Health will prioritize sophomore enrollment to help strengthen the pathway, and the Council recommended minimizing scheduling conflicts between newly added YPAS electives and singleton visual arts courses, which cannot be duplicated in the schedule.
Staffing updates included the announcement that the school’s School Administrative Manager (SAM) will be leaving in December. Council members and the community were encouraged to thank her for her time at Manual. The Council approved relocating the SAM’s funds to hire a retired assistant principal, who will work four days per week and assist with tardies, ID violations, cafeteria supervision and EVOLV monitoring.
The Council then reviewed and discussed the Budget Needs Assessment, which is linked in the official meeting minutes. Priorities included technology upgrades, classroom furniture, school climate supports, building repairs, library updates, admissions needs, interventionists, supplies and instructional resources.
Finally, the Council determined that it will not create an SBDM policy regarding graduation cords. While expectations will still exist, the Council felt this decision is more appropriately handled as an administrative matter, and families should expect opportunities for further feedback as guidelines are developed.
The next SBDM meeting will focus heavily on school budget processes and mid-year financial planning. The Council will review the monthly school budget report and will include budget reconciliations. The final meeting plan is still being developed, but all parents, students and teachers are welcome and encouraged to attend in person or online on Dec. 12 at 3 p.m.
