7 takeaways from USD 253 school board meeting

School District Faces 26% Health Insurance Hike, Considers Shift to Self-Funded Plan

New EMS Turf and Track Facility Nears Completion, Excites Students

EMS Turf Project Requires Additional $79,411 for Completion

End of an Era: EHS Gymnastics Program to Conclude After Final Season

Two Emporia High Seniors Earn National Merit Semifinalist Honors

District Recognizes Five Educators for State and Local Honors

Community Donations Lauded for Supporting Students

School District Faces 26% Health Insurance Hike, Considers Shift to Self-Funded Plan

EMPORIA - The Emporia School District is grappling with a potential 26.5% increase in its employee health insurance premiums if it remains with its current fully-insured plan. During a detailed presentation at Wednesday’s board meeting, consultants from IMA outlined the stark choice facing the district. An alternative fully-insured plan from Aetna offers a lower 9% increase but includes reduced benefits and network changes for employees. The board spent considerable time discussing a major strategic shift to a partially self-funded model, where the district would assume more financial risk in exchange for potential long-term savings and greater control over the plan. Board members raised concerns about employee privacy, administrative workload, and the financial impact of a "catastrophic" claims year. No decision was made, as the options will first be reviewed by the district's insurance committee.

New EMS Turf and Track Facility Nears Completion, Excites Students

EMPORIA - Emporia Middle School administrators and students gave an enthusiastic presentation on the nearly-finished turf and track facility. The project includes new bleachers, security fencing, a paved parking lot, and a modern concession stand with permanent bathrooms—a feature students were particularly excited about. Student-athletes from the football, track, and soccer teams shared their appreciation, noting the new turf is safer, allows for smoother play, and makes them feel "important and valued." The first home football game on the new field is scheduled for this week, with the community invited to see the significant upgrades.

EMS Turf Project Requires Additional $79,411 for Completion

EMPORIA - The Board of Education unanimously approved a change order for the Emporia Middle School turf and track facility, adding $79,411.22 to the project's cost. District officials explained the increase was due to unforeseen expenses, including more extensive city permits than anticipated, the need to bore under 24th Street for water and sewer lines, and the installation of extra electrical conduit for future sound and security systems. Representatives from the construction firm noted that while unexpected, the changes were necessary for the facility's long-term function. The project is still on track for substantial completion by the first week of October.

End of an Era: EHS Gymnastics Program to Conclude After Final Season

EMPORIA - The Emporia High School gymnastics program, a staple of the district since 1985, will conclude at the end of the current season. The decision comes after the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) announced it will no longer sanction gymnastics as a high school sport. Superintendent Dr. David McGehee recognized the program's long and successful history, and current coaches Angela Podrebarac and Tarra Machado, who have a combined 33 years of service to the team. While school-sanctioned competition will end, students will still have opportunities to participate through local clubs.

Two Emporia High Seniors Earn National Merit Semifinalist Honors

EMPORIA - Emporia High School seniors Linus Lingenfelter and Colin Wen were formally recognized by the board for being named semifinalists in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program. This prestigious honor places them among the top 1% of the high school students who took the qualifying PSAT test nationwide. Lingenfelter and Wen will now move forward in the competition, where they will complete a detailed application for a chance to win one of nearly 7,000 scholarships worth a total of $26 million.

District Recognizes Five Educators for State and Local Honors

EMPORIA - The school district celebrated five of its educators who were recently nominated for prestigious teaching awards. The honorees include Alex Vahsholtz (Kansas Teacher of the Year Elementary nominee), Sarah Bays (Kansas Teacher of the Year Secondary nominee), Kathleen Gilliland (Kansas Master Teacher nominee), Alyssa McCue (Kansas Horizon Award nominee), and Tabatha Granado (NextGen Under 30 Kansas 2024 honoree). Superintendent McGehee stated that these recognized teachers are a "small sample of all the great teachers" in the district.

Community Donations Lauded for Supporting Students

EMPORIA - The Board of Education extended its formal thanks to the First United Methodist Church and its community partners for a successful school supply donation initiative. The drive collected enough supplies to ensure students from Pre-K through 12th grade began the year with the tools needed for success. The board also acknowledged a $20,000 donation from the Walnut Elementary PTO, highlighting the deep and ongoing support the district receives from local organizations and families.

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