6 takeaways from USD 253 school board meeting
October 8 2025
Board approves 12 percent health insurance hike, shifts to self-funded plan
District targets $1.5 million in budget cuts amid declining enrollment
Rec commission returns federal COVID-19 funds
Board approves $31,000 for new literacy training program
Walnut Elementary launches inaugural student council
Emporia High girls tennis team wins first Centennial League title in 20+ years
Board approves 12 percent health insurance hike, shifts to self-funded plan
EMPORIA, Kan. - The Emporia Public Schools Board of Education unanimously approved a 12 percent increase in employee health insurance premiums and a move to a partially self-funded model administered through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. The change follows weeks of discussion about curbing rising costs while preserving plan design. The district assumes limited claims risk with stop-loss protections. A prior fully funded renewal would have been substantially higher, according to briefings to the board.
District targets $1.5 million in budget cuts amid declining enrollment
EMPORIA, Kan. - Superintendent David McGehee said the district’s cost containment committee has an initial target of $1.5 million in savings tied to enrollment declines and local economic shifts. The committee’s first meeting reviewed trend data and will reconvene Oct. 21 to analyze staffing, programs and operations for efficiencies. McGehee stressed a multi-year plan to close the revenue-expenditure gap.
Rec commission returns federal COVID-19 funds
EMPORIA, Kan. - Board liaison Jeremy Dorsey reported that the Emporia Recreation Commission voted in a special meeting to return just over $500,000 in Employee Retention Tax Credit funds to the IRS, noting the commission’s action was taken proactively after a review of eligibility.
Board approves $31,000 for new literacy training program
EMPORIA, Kan. - The board unanimously approved $31,000 for Keys to Literacy professional learning and materials to support Kansas' structured-literacy requirements. Dr. Paula Hough said the training will help educators attain the Seal of Literacy that becomes a licensure requirement by July 1, 2028. Keys to Literacy is on the Kansas State Department of Education's approved list. Funds will come from at-risk and cooperative sources.
Walnut Elementary launches inaugural student council
EMPORIA, Kan. - Students from Walnut Elementary School’s new student council presented their goals and first projects to the board—the school’s first student council. The elected leaders (grades 3-5) highlighted leadership, school spirit and service. Projects include a monthly newsletter, a “Penny Wars” fundraiser and activities to honor local veterans with a Veterans Day observance on Nov. 7. Principal Jami Dakin praised the teachers who volunteered to launch the program.
Emporia High girls tennis team wins first Centennial League title in 20+ years
EMPORIA, Kan. - Superintendent McGehee congratulated the Emporia High girls tennis team for winning the Centennial League championship—the program’s first league crown in over two decades. He recognized the players and coaches during his report to the board.
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