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Parent warns closing USD 253 childcare would leave dozens without care as ESSER funds expire

Emporia USD 253 Board of Education · December 10, 2025
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Summary

A parent representing families in the USD 253 childcare program urged the board to preserve the program after ESSER funds expire, citing a wait list and offering parent help with fundraising or higher fees to keep the program operating.

Amy Fair addressed the Emporia USD 253 Board during public comment, representing parents who use the district’s childcare program. She said the childcare program, established in 2023 with ESSER funds, should not be temporary and urged the board to plan for its continuation once ESSER funding expires.

Fair told the board the program serves families who would be left scrambling if it closed. She said about 33 families and 36 children would be affected and that there are eight infants on a wait list in the community. “If the child care program were to close, we would be without child care,” Fair said, adding that parents are willing to organize fundraisers, donate supplies and pay a higher weekly rate to sustain the program.

Fair asked the board to consider cost reductions rather than cutting the program, noting food costs are a significant expense and asking whether neighboring districts have models USD 253 could follow. She asked staff and the board to review the documents she provided and continue conversation with parents before making final decisions.