February 27, 2025
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February 27, 2025
Board of Education Hears Impact of SparkWheel in Emporia Public Schools
Emporia, KS—At the February 26, Board of Education meeting, Kelly Stanford, Chief Program Officer of SparkWheel, presented the organization's significant impact on Emporia students and their families. Formerly known as Communities In Schools (CIS), SparkWheel has been an important support system in the district for the past eight years.
Serving multiple buildings—including Logan Avenue Elementary, Walnut Elementary, William Allen White Elementary, and Emporia High School—SparkWheel site coordinators play a key role in assisting students. Their efforts focus on improving attendance, academics, and behavior while also fostering parent engagement and building strong community partnerships. These initiatives help ensure students receive the resources and support needed to be successful both in and out of the classroom.
Each year, Emporia Public Schools benefit from more than $400,000 in support through SparkWheel programs and services, with the district contributing an annual cost share of $40,000. This ongoing partnership continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Emporia students and their families.
The SparkWheel Student Support Coordinators for Emporia Public Schools are:
- Leah Hoggatt – Walnut Elementary
- Jennifer Martin – Logan Avenue Elementary
- Megan Broyles – William Allen White Elementary
- Michelle Nicholson – Emporia High School
Tonight’s presentation provided an overview of the program’s effectiveness and continued impact across the district. Board members expressed their appreciation for SparkWheel's vital services and looked forward to continuing to partner with the district. Looking ahead, SparkWheel aims to expand its outreach, strengthen partnerships, and enhance resources to meet the evolving needs of Emporia students and families.
Emporia Public Schools and SparkWheel will continue working together to support student success by removing barriers and strengthening partnerships with students and families.