News Release April 23, 2026

Emporia Public Schools Announces Planned Closure of Logan Avenue Elementary to Support Long-Term Stability

Emporia, KS - Emporia Public Schools has approved the closure of Logan Avenue Elementary School beginning with the 2027–28 school year. The decision follows a comprehensive six-month study and formal public hearing held on April 15, 2026. The action, approved by the Board of Education through Resolution 2026-7, is part of a broader effort to address declining enrollment and ensure the district’s long-term financial stability.

The recommendation to close Logan Avenue Elementary was developed through the work of the district’s Cost Containment Team, a diverse group of stakeholders who collectively dedicated more than 1,000 hours to evaluating options to reduce expenditures and align them with projected revenue declines. Across all subgroups, there was consensus that consolidating one of the district’s six elementary schools was necessary.

District data shows a significant and ongoing decline in student enrollment, including nearly 1,000 fewer students over the past decade for state funding purposes, with approximately 400 of those students lost in the current school year alone. This decline directly impacts state funding, adding to what is already estimated to be a $2 million annual deficit and the potential depletion of district reserves within the next several years if no changes are made.

Logan Avenue Elementary was identified due to its comparatively low enrollment, currently serving approximately 140 students across all grade levels, and lack of projected future development in the area. Operating a school with this number of students creates operational inefficiencies and increased per-student costs. Closing the school is expected to generate a minimum annual savings of approximately $1.4 million, helping the district better align expenditures with revenues and maintain essential educational programs.

As part of the transition plan, students currently attending Logan Avenue Elementary will be reassigned based on their residence. Students living north of South Avenue will attend William Allen White Elementary, while those living south of South Avenue will attend Riverside Elementary. Both schools have the capacity to accommodate the additional students with minimal impact, requiring only a small number of additional classroom sections.

To support families, the district will provide transportation options for reassigned students, particularly in areas where safety concerns, such as traffic patterns and railroad crossings, have been recognized.

The district also plans to retain the Logan Avenue facility and explore future uses that benefit both students and the community. Potential options include relocating district offices, expanding alternative education programs, and partnering with community organizations to provide additional services.

District leaders emphasized that while this decision is difficult, it is a necessary step to ensure a financially sustainable future for Emporia Public Schools and avoid deeper cuts to staff and student programs throughout the district.