BELOIT — Matthew Manley will continue leading the West Branch Local School District for two more years.

The board of education voted unanimously to approve the hire of Manley as superintendent for the period beginning Feb. 1, 2026, and ending on June 30, 2028, in its February meeting. Manley has been leading the district as superintendent pro-tempore since being appointed by the board in its Dec. 18 meeting. 

Prior to accepting the pro-tempore position Manley served as superintendent of the Crestview Local School District for six years, and 43 years of educational experience across several positions, including previously serving as West Branch’s director of professional development, as a principal, and most recently as the middle school assistant principal. 

“I’m humbled and honored. The largest part of my career has been at West Branch. We live in the community, our kids have gone here, the people are dear to me here. I’m truly honored,” said Manley. 

Manley said that he, the board of education and the rest of the district’s administrative team’s first priority was to restore the community’s trust in the district so it can begin moving forward again, noting that “it’s been kind of like the district has been on pause lately.” He also said that with three new members joining the board in the new year, he felt the district’s administration was “kind of starting over,” noting he and the board had discussed the district’s needs at the board’s annual retreat and the board members were all “wonderful to work with.” 

“We’re going to work together to move this district forward,” said Manley. 

Manley said he understands regaining that trust will take time, and the district is committed to doing that work. He also said he was grateful the rest of the district’s administrative team had also been extended because the stability and consistency they bring to the district and its students will help with that process. 

“Trust is something you earn by dealing straight with people,” said Manley. 

Other items requiring immediate attention included upcoming state training sessions and upcoming contract negotiations with the district’s unions in March, which he said would make it “very hard to find a superintendent this year.” Manley said once that is complete, the district will begin a strategic vision planning process to identify the priorities and needs of the district and how to achieve them with its current funding. He said the majority of next year is expected to be dedicated to research and planning, with execution of the plan expected to start in 2028. 

Manley also said he wants to help place the community’s focus back on achievements of the district’s students and staff and to “focus on those positives and creating a better future rather than dwelling on the past.” 

“Kids are doing wonderful work, and we’ve got so much positive going on with our academic teams, our music and theater, our athletics, there’s so much going on that’s incredible and that’s what we want to focus on. … We’ve had some heartache, but the heartache is over, and we want to celebrate our students and staff,” said Manley. 

Manley said he felt the two-year term of the new contract would be the most beneficial for the district, and that by the end of that term the district should be ready to welcome a new superintendent. When asked if he would consider remaining in the position after the 2027-2028 school year if asked, Manley said he would have to consider where the district stood at that time. 

“We’ll see where we are. I’ve learned to kind of take it a day at a time. I do think at some time they will need to get in a younger superintendent even though they say I’m kind of like the Energizer Bunny,” said Manley.

Manley said his message to the West Branch community is simple — the district will earn their trust again, and he wants to work with them to celebrate and benefit the district’s students. 

“Work with us, we’ll communicate, and we’ll work together. I’m not going to ask for your trust because we’re going to earn it,” said Manley. 

The board of education will meet next at 6 p.m. on March 19.