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A late-season snowfall didn’t deter the Manhattan School Board from meeting and approving its new superintendent, Dr. Damien Aherne.
Aherne has been the principal of Oak Forest’s Fierke Education Center since July 1, 2018. His contract with the Manhattan School District will take effect on July 1, though he will be meeting with administrators and getting to know the district before then.
After the vote and announcement, Aherne offered details about his life, his plans, and his excitement about being the next superintendent.
“Years ago, I used to play music here at the Manhattan Irish Fest and, back then, I remember it being a much smaller community, 1,500 folks. I was living in the city, so driving out here to Manhattan was like, where are we going?” Aherne said of his first experiences with Manhattan.
Aherne shared that he is a Frankfort resident, though he’s originally from Ireland, joking, “If I sound a little strange, that’s why.” He and his wife, Marisa, have been married for 22 years, and they have three children.
“The focus is going to be on listening and learning,” Aherne said, also explaining his priorities will be “student learning and supporting teachers.”
He holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of St. Francis, a Master’s Degree in Education from Governors State University, and from Roosevelt University, a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Music and Music Education, and a Master’s Degree in Music. His LinkedIn profile also shows he was formerly a longtime band director and has taught as an adjunct at Governors State University and Moraine Valley Community College.
“I’m absolutely delighted and honored to be your next superintendent. Thank you so much. I’m looking forward to getting started, getting to know everybody a little bit more, and getting the work done. I think it’s going to be great!” Aherne continued.
Before Aherne spoke, School Board President John Burke addressed the new superintendent and the community.
“I do want to make it sort of understood, or at least you know for the public record, not only was he the unanimous choice of the board, I believe it was fair to say he ended up being the unanimous choice of the administration and our Union leadership at the school,” Burke said before congratulating Aherne.
His comment seemingly addressed a public comment made by Erica Aultz, who heavily criticized the board after offering a welcome to the new superintendent.
“I need this individual to understand that they may not have been the best choice for the staff, the parents, the students, and the community. You may have been chosen for the comfort of the seven people who voted for you — they are an incredibly flawed decision-making body,” Aultz said.
“I’ve seen this board violate their oaths towards the U.S. and state constitutions. This time last year, I learned they would disregard race issues to further their own personal bigotry,” Aultz continued.
She also addressed Burke’s statement on Susana Lukaszek’s civil rights lawsuit against the district: “I’ve watched this board give a statement about a staff member’s timeline to report inappropriate workplace behavior, despite the fact that the timeline is allowed by law and, in fact, this timeline was extended by state law this year. I’m sure it was made to deter others from making similar claims.”
Aultz ended her public comment by offering gratitude to Dr. Ron Pacheco, who stepped in and has served as the superintendent following the abrupt resignation of former superintendent Russel Ragon, who is now at the center of two civil rights lawsuits brought against the district.
Aultz has been a staple at the board meetings and is running for a seat in the upcoming election.
The board, administrators, and current superintendent shared congratulatory remarks and welcomed Dr. Aherne.
“I’m a community member, so I’ll continue to see the wonderful things down the road from your leadership, taking this district to the next level. So thank you and congratulations!” Pacheco said.
In other business, the dates of the 2025-2026 school year were set, with the school year beginning on August 27 and ending on June 5, 2026. Additionally, they are returning to a previous plan that closely mirrors the high school concerning breaks and early dismissals.
Pacheco explained they are trying to be more mindful of teacher institute days and plan to add a math resource day.
Kim Maher reported the district is discussing bus schedules with Lincoln-Way Transportation. Due to Lincoln-Way Transportation and the district turnover, busing plan discussions were delayed. The board voted to continue working with Lincoln-Way Transportation and agreed to a three-year contract.
With the transportation contract in place, the district is, however, considering changing starting and ending times for the schools to help facilitate better transportation with four tiers of busing, but no formal decisions were made at the meeting. Pacheco said they’d want to decide on a transportation plan within the next month.
Pacheco also reported that district enrollment is at 2,044 students.
Other action items included approving school lunch costs, which the board voted to keep the same at $4.
Pacheco also advised the district’s School Resource Officers will give a presentation entitled “Cyber Safety for Parents,” scheduled for March 10, at 6 p.m., at the new junior high.
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.
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