Cost Containment Team Meeting February 5, 2026

Emporia Public Schools Cost Containment Team Wraps Up Work and Shares Next Steps

Emporia, KS — Emporia Public Schools’ Cost Containment Team met tonight for its final meeting, wrapping up months of work focused on finding responsible ways to manage district finances while continuing to support students, staff, and school programs.

The team includes district leaders, staff, and community members who worked together to better understand the district’s budget, enrollment trends, staffing levels, and long-term financial outlook. Over several meetings, members talked through challenges and possible solutions, always keeping student learning and school services at the center of the conversation.

During the final meeting, the group reviewed a shared summary of feedback from all discussion groups, made any needed changes, and worked toward agreement on the key ideas that will be reviewed by the Superintendent’s Leadership Team, building principles, and department leaders.

Here’s what happens next:

• The Superintendent’s Leadership Team will review the group’s feedback
• Building principals and department leaders will help turn that feedback into a formal recommendation
• The Board of Education will discuss the recommendation at the March 4 Work Session
• A final recommendation, based on board input, will be considered at the March 11 Board of Education meeting

Superintendent Dr. David McGehee shared his appreciation for the team’s work and the community’s involvement throughout the process.

“This has been about working together, being open and honest about our challenges, and making sure we protect what matters most, our students and our schools, while planning responsibly for the future,” McGehee said.

Emporia Public Schools will continue to keep staff, families, and the community informed as the Board of Education reviews the team’s recommendations and moves toward final decisions.