7 takeaways from USD 253 school board meeting
November 12, 2025
District hires consultant for business office overhaul
Cost containment team to evaluate job, program cuts
Board reviews student assessment data, disparities
Emporia High School to revamp social studies, add courses
Village Elementary students showcase leadership, service projects
District continues Ruby Bridges walk despite failed state recognition effort
District seeks community input through climate survey
District hires consultant for business office overhaul
EMPORIA, Kan. — The USD 253 Board of Education on Wednesday unanimously approved a $4,250 contract for an external efficiency study of its business operations. Dr. Kellen Adams, a superintendent and Kansas school-finance consultant, will analyze the district’s financial processes, interview staff and provide recommendations to improve timeliness and accuracy. The move follows challenges in the department, some related to a recent upgrade of its Skyward financial software. Superintendent Dr. David McGehee said an outside review can accelerate fixes without disrupting daily work. The motion passed 5-0.
Cost containment team to evaluate job, program cuts
EMPORIA, Kan. — Facing declining enrollment and revenue, USD 253 is launching a cost-containment review. Superintendent Dr. David McGehee told the board the team will score potential cuts for value, feasibility and “stakeholder disruption,” acknowledging the process will likely involve discussions about positions and programs. “It’s certainly not an option for us to do nothing,” he said. The district aims to minimize personnel impacts where possible.
Board reviews student assessment data, disparities
EMPORIA, Kan. — Board members reviewed student performance from the state’s Kansas Assessment Program and the district’s FastBridge screening tool. Administrators walked through subgroup gaps, including differences among white and Hispanic students. Discussion included the availability and implementation of testing accommodations for students with disabilities and whether those supports let students demonstrate their full potential. Improvement efforts will continue to emphasize curriculum alignment and teacher tools for state-assessment readiness.
Emporia High School to revamp social studies, add courses
EMPORIA, Kan. — After a first reading Wednesday, Emporia High School proposed course-guide changes for the 2026-27 year, including swapping the order of history courses (World History for sophomores, U.S. History for juniors) to align with peer districts and expand college-credit opportunities in U.S. History. Other changes would replace a communications elective with Public Speaking, reintroduce Jazz Band and expand defined options for students in work-study programs.
Village Elementary students showcase leadership, service projects
EMPORIA, Kan. — Students from Village Elementary School presented service and leadership projects to the board. The student leadership group outlined efforts such as weaving waterproof mats for a homeless shelter from plastic bags, establishing a Little Free Library to promote reading and planning a school-wide Thanksgiving parade on a $75 budget.
District continues Ruby Bridges walk despite failed state recognition effort
EMPORIA, Kan. — The board officially recognized Nov. 14 as the Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, encouraging students to walk in support of unity and anti-racism. The local observance proceeds despite a Kansas House committee voting down a proposal to make it a permanent state observance. This year also marks the 71st anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education.
District seeks community input through climate survey
EMPORIA, Kan. — USD 253 is gathering feedback through its annual climate and culture survey, open through Nov. 21. Superintendent Dr. David McGehee encouraged parents, students, staff and community members to complete the brief, anonymous survey; it’s available via QR code on the district website and was sent to families through the ParentSquare platform.
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