7 takeaways from USD 253 school board meeting

District receives clean financial audit for fiscal year 2025

Superintendent warns of potential school finance changes

Board pauses facility rental fee vote to protect local groups

Board approves 2026-27 calendar, shifts collaboration time

Five-year graduation rate reaches record high

High school adopts Naviance to track new graduation requirements

Middle school course changes prioritize special education inclusion

JAG-K program piloting workforce micro-credentials

District receives clean financial audit for fiscal year 2025

EMPORIA, Kan. - An external auditor from the district's auditing firm presented the fiscal year 2025 audit report, issuing an "unmodified opinion," the highest rating available for financial governance. The audit confirmed the district ended the fiscal year with just under $39 million in unencumbered cash and complied with all federal requirements regarding the Child Nutrition Cluster and Special Education IDEA grants. The board unanimously approved the audit report following the presentation.

Superintendent warns of potential school finance changes

EMPORIA, Kan. - The superintendent reported on a recent meeting with the Schools for Fair Funding coalition, warning that the Kansas Legislature is in the process of retooling the school finance formula. The superintendent advised the board and the public to stay engaged with legislative developments, noting that previous formula changes have had dramatic impacts on district funding. The update highlighted that the state's obligation for K-12 funding has decreased by approximately $200 million recently due to declining enrollment statewide.

Board pauses facility rental fee vote to protect local groups

EMPORIA, Kan. - Board members expressed hesitation regarding a proposal to standardize rental fees for district facilities, fearing the costs would burden local youth sports and community groups. During the first reading of the policy, which proposed a flat $25 hourly custodial fee and various facility rates, board members suggested the fee structure should distinguish between local taxpayers and outside commercial entities or semi-pro teams. The board directed administrators to reconvene the committee to revise the fee schedule before bringing it back for approval.

Board approves 2026-27 calendar, shifts collaboration time

EMPORIA, Kan. - The Emporia School Board voted unanimously to approve "Option C" for the 2026-27 academic calendar, a move that shifts professional learning time from weekly late starts to monthly full days off for students. The assistant superintendent presented survey data showing a divide in staff preference, with 62 percent of respondents favoring the new model, though secondary staff largely preferred the traditional weekly collaboration schedule. The approved calendar aims to provide more consolidated time for staff development, particularly for elementary teachers who previously met after school.

Five-year graduation rate reaches record high

EMPORIA, Kan. - District administrators reported that while the four-year graduation rate remained steady at 90.9 percent, the five-year graduation rate jumped to 94 percent, marking a historic high for the district. A district administrator attributed the success to continued efforts to support students who fall behind early in their high school careers, utilizing the Flint Hills Learning Center and credit recovery programs. The data highlighted the district's focus on ensuring students complete their diplomas even if they require an extra year of instruction.

High school adopts Naviance to track new graduation requirements

EMPORIA, Kan. - Counselors from Emporia High School presented an overview of Naviance, a new software platform designed to replace Zello and YouScience for tracking individual plans of study (IPS). The platform will help the district manage new state graduation requirements taking effect for the class of 2028, including the tracking of STEM electives and post-secondary assets. The software integrates directly with PowerSchool and the Common App, allowing students and parents to manage course planning, college applications, and career exploration in a single location.

Middle school course changes prioritize special education inclusion

EMPORIA, Kan. - The Emporia Middle School principal presented changes to the 2026-27 course guide, highlighting a shift to ensure special education students have equal access to electives. Previously, students requiring resource math or reading often lost elective opportunities; the new schedule is designed to protect those elective slots while still meeting service minute requirements. Additionally, the guide removes "quarter" designations to allow scheduling flexibility and renames the "Intro to Tech" pathway to "Intro to Skilled Trades."

JAG-K program piloting workforce micro-credentials

EMPORIA, Kan. - Representatives from the Jobs for America's Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) program reported that Emporia High School is participating in a new pilot program for micro-credentials in financial literacy and work ethic. A career specialist and student officers noted the program currently serves 95 to 98 percent graduation rates, significantly higher than the national JAG-K benchmark. The program focuses on removing barriers to graduation and preparing students for the workforce through employer engagement and leadership development.

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