Kansas / School Boards / Emporia
The Emporia Board of Education heard a first read of a draft letter of intent to partner with the Emporia Police Department for a single school resource officer (SRO). Staff said the change would add about $50,000 to next year's budget and emphasized SRO training and alignment with district discipline policies.
Kansas / School Boards / Emporia
Athletic staff briefed the board on a non-action update proposing Emporia's football program schedule more 5A opponents to improve competitive balance and roster safety; presenter cited roster sizes (58 players this year) and enrollment disparities (e.g., Manhattan ~140 out for football).
Kansas / School Boards / Emporia
Following an executive session on personnel, the board voted 7-0 to terminate the employment of Gary Croucher effective Jan. 15, 2026, citing violations of board policy and terms of employment; the superintendent was authorized to implement the action.
Kansas / School Boards / Emporia
Momentum Education Group told the board its business-operations review found five themes: communication and role clarity, process/workflow unpredictability, capacity and workload concerns, systems/tools alignment and organizational structure. Consultant recommended low-cost, staged steps and better communications of 30/60/90-day actions.
Kansas / School Boards / Emporia
The board tabled proposed revisions to the district's facility rental policy after lengthy discussion about categories, scheduling fairness, custodial deposits, and priority for district teams. Administrators confirmed USD 253 youth groups would pay $0 in rental fees under the revised draft; implementation details will return to a future meeting.
Kansas / School Boards / Emporia
Board members probed a proposed facility rental fee structure (five user categories and a custodial charge) and raised equity concerns about a flat $25 custodial rate; staff said final fee approval will return after committee review.
Kansas / School Boards / Emporia
After reviewing community survey results, the board adopted Option C for the 2026–27 academic calendar (monthly full PLT days) by a 7–0 vote; members raised concerns about weekly disruptions and differences between elementary and secondary preferences.
Kansas / School Boards / Emporia
Board members heard a presentation on the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program and a school-led rollout of Naviance to centralize course planning, IPS tracking and college/career tools; staff also reported improvement in 4- and 5-year graduation rates.
Kansas / School Boards / Emporia
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.
Kansas / School Boards / Emporia
The Emporia USD 253 Board accepted the preliminary fiscal year 2025 audit with an unmodified opinion and an unmodified single-audit opinion for federal grants; the board approved the audit 7–0.