Staff Bulletin | April 10, 2025

On Wednesday evening, the Emporia Board of Education recognized several Emporia High School students for their outstanding recent achievements:


Alexa Castillo and Kensley Medrano, both juniors, made history by becoming the first girls’ wrestling 5A state champions in Emporia High School history at the state meet this past February.


Emma Beatty, a sophomore, and Daniel Gillenwater, a junior, received a “1” rating at the 2025 KSHSAA State Piano Festival, also held in February.


Seniors Alexa Courtney and Hope East earned the prestigious honor of performing with the Kansas All-State Choir at the Kansas Music Educators Association Conference in Wichita. 



Congratulations to all of these students for their dedication, talent, and excellence!


District Information:


Need Microscopes? We Have Extras!

The high school has several older microscopes that need to be removed from storage. If any buildings are interested in using these microscopes to supplement science activities with their students, they are welcome to have them. The microscopes require access to an electrical outlet to operate. Those interested should contact Mr. Matt Irby at matt.irby@usd253.net. High school science teachers are also available to offer ideas and suggestions on how the microscopes could be used in classroom activities, if needed.

 

New KPERS Annual Statements Available for USD 253 Emporia Employees:

Your 2024 KPERS annual statement is now available! Employees can access their statements by logging into their online accounts at http://kspers.gov/. This important document provides a summary of your retirement account, including contributions, account balance, vesting information, years of service, benefit estimates (if vested), and listed beneficiaries.


To view your statement, visit http://kspers.gov/, click on "Member Login," select your KPERS account, and navigate to "Annual Statements" on the left. From there, choose the 2024 statement to download the PDF. If you need assistance, you can contact KPERS at kpers@kpers.gov or call 1-888-275-5737 (toll-free) or 296-6166 in Topeka. Stay informed about your retirement benefits by reviewing your statement today!


KPERS Pre-Retirement Sessions

  • May 12, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Mary Herbert Education Center Rm. 114


Lucet - Employee Assistance Program Website:

Lucet is launching a brand-new website and digital experience for your Employee Assistance Program (EAP), designed to make finding support easier, faster, and more personalized. The new site features improved navigation, enhanced search tools, robust self-help resources, and a mobile-friendly design. The rollout launched at the beginning of April. You will continue to access the site through the same website using your existing Login and company code [usd253].


April Lucet Employee Assistance Program:

As a USD 253 employee, you can utilize resources provided by Lucet through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Additionally, Lucet offers a variety of free online webinars for all employees. If you or a family member is experiencing any stress or heightened emotions due to events going on in our world, please contact the EAP support line at 833-848-1764 or log onto the Lucet website and use the code usd253. April Newsletter


W-4 and K-4 Forms:

If you would like to submit a new W-4 or K-4 form for the 2025 tax year, please use this link in Frontline. Additionally, use the Check Estimator in Skyward to look at different scenarios to adjust future withholding's. If you want a copy of your current W-4/K-4 forms or have any questions, please email payroll@usd253.net.


District Events:


Staff Recognition and Retirement Ceremony RSVP Form:

On April 30, Emporia Public Schools will host the annual Staff Recognition and Retirement Ceremony at William L. White Auditorium, 111 E. 6th Ave. Social time will begin at 4:45 PM, followed by a light meal at 5:00 PM and a short program at 5:30 PM. A list of those staff members being recognized is included in the form. Please use this link to complete the RSVP Form.


Kindergarten and Preschool Pre-Registration Continues:

Use the links on the district website to get started today! Kindergarten students must be 5 years old on or before August 31, 2025, and 3 and 4-year-old preschool students must meet eligibility requirements. All pre-registered students can enroll online now. For more information, contact the Jones Early Childhood Development Center, the elementary school nearest you, or the Student and Family Resource Office at 620-341-2396.


Last Day of School Reminder:

Due to the inclement weather days we experienced, the last day of school is scheduled for Friday, May 23, and will be a partial day for students.

Appointments, Resignations, and Retirements:

View the employment recommendations here.

Emporia Middle School students participated in their home Scholars Bowl meet, putting their knowledge to the test and representing their school with pride.

Emporia High School Cheerleaders recently brought the energy to Timmerman Elementary with cheers and a mini pep rally to pump up students for State Assessments!

Board Approvals:


  • minutes of March 12, 2025
  • minutes of March 26, 2025
  • minutes of March 31, 2025
  • minutes of April 1, 2025
  • minutes of April 2, 2025
  • minutes of April 7, 2025
  • minutes of April 7, 2025 (2nd meeting)
  • fiscal payments for April 2025
  • treasurer’s report for February 2025
  • partnership agreement between USD 253 and Jobs for America's Graduates - Kansas JAG for 2025-26
  • Kansas Association of School Board membership dues, Legal Assistance Fund renewal fees, and the Season Pass for unlimited district registrations to KASB workshops and seminars for 2025-26
  • job description updates for technology, custodians, and administrators
  • donation of $1,500 from the Mighty Spartans to the Emporia Middle School football program
  • donation of $5,000 from the Masonic Lodge to the Emporia High School Theatre program 
  • donation of $500 from Cheryl Jamison to the Emporia High School Spartan Stop
  • donation of $504.40 from the Neosho Valley Shrine Club to Timmerman Elementary
  • technology replacement equipment 
  • retire policies GAE and ING and approve new and revised policies GAE, ING, and KO 
  • the contract with Dr. David McGehee as the superintendent of schools for the term 2025-2026 through 2026-2027 school years and authorize the president to sign the employment contract on behalf of the board of education


Board Updates and Information:


New Teacher Support:

Dr. Erica Mickelson, Director of Teaching and Learning, along with Instructional Coaches from all academic levels, presented an overview of Emporia Public Schools' support system for new teachers. Recognizing the challenges of beginning a teaching career, the district has developed a comprehensive coaching model led by 11 Instructional Coaches. These coaches work closely with new teachers, providing guidance through lesson modeling, classroom visits, feedback, and support in planning, assessment, classroom strategies, and stress management.


The coaching program promotes teacher confidence and growth while aligning with the district's Strategic Plan by improving academic achievement, supporting social-emotional development, and enhancing recruitment and retention of skilled staff. This support system not only helps teachers thrive but also strengthens student learning and contributes to a positive district-wide educational environment. View the presentation here.


Approval of Class Size Capacity and Transfer Requests:

Mrs. Judy Stanley, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning and Student Services, shared the proposed number of available seats for transfer students for the 2025-26 school year with the Board of Education.


Following Board Policy JBCC, which was adopted in December 2024, the district is required to bring forward recommendations on building capacities and student-to-teacher ratios by May 1 each year. These recommendations help the board determine how many spots will be available in each grade level at every school building for the upcoming year. The proposed numbers were developed using current enrollment, staffing levels, and class size practices. Emporia Public Schools has a strong tradition of keeping class sizes smaller than most districts of similar size, and this year’s proposal continues that approach. 


In-district transfers at the elementary level will also follow the same capacity guidelines. Those decisions will be made before May 30, giving the district time to share any remaining open spots ahead of the June 1 deadline outlined in the policy. Elementary capacities will remain the same as this year, while secondary capacities were updated based on this year’s data and projected student-to-teacher ratios for next year. View the available seats document here.


Construction Update:

Mr. Eric Woltje, Senior Project Manager with McCownGordon Construction, provided an update on the progress at William Allen White Elementary. The project is currently 99% complete, and full possession is scheduled to be turned over to the district in May. Final tasks underway include site cleanup, replacing concrete removed during the construction process, grading topsoil, and planting grass seed, which is expected to occur in the coming days. View the presentation here.



Future Board Calendar Dates:



  • Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 5:30 p.m., Study Session/Board Meeting, Mary Herbert Education Center
  • Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 5:00 p.m., Staff Recognition, W.L. White Auditorium
  • Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 6:00 p.m., Board Meeting, Mary Herbert Education Center
  • Sunday, May 18, 2025, 3:00 p.m., EHS Graduation, W.L. White Auditorium