News Release January 29, 2026

Emporia Public Schools Board of Education Approves School Resource Officer Partnership

Emporia, KS — The Emporia Board of Education has approved a partnership between Emporia Public Schools (USD 253) and the Emporia Police Department (EPD) to place one full-time School Resource Officer (SRO) in district schools for the 2026–2027 school year.

The approved action allows the district to move forward with finalizing a School Resource Officer Agreement, once the Emporia Police Department confirms that an officer is trained and ready to begin at the start of the school year. SRO services will begin upon written confirmation of the officer’s assignment and will continue through June 30, 2027.

The SRO will be assigned to either Emporia High School or Emporia Middle School. The officer will serve as a visible safety presence and a positive connection between students, staff, and law enforcement, while also supporting school safety planning, prevention efforts, and educational activities.

The district emphasized that student discipline will continue to be handled by school administrators and staff. The SRO will work alongside educators to promote a safe and welcoming school environment through relationship-building, prevention, and education, and will become involved when situations raise safety concerns or require law enforcement support.

The partnership includes special training for the officer in areas such as working with young people, school law, and de-escalation. District leaders and EPD supervisors will meet regularly to review the program and make improvements as needed.

“Keeping our students and staff safe is our top priority,” said Dr. Erica Mickelson, Director of Human Resources for Emporia Public Schools. “This partnership helps us strengthen our school safety efforts while building positive relationships between students and law enforcement.”

Emporia Public Schools will continue working closely with the Emporia Police Department to finalize details, select the officer, and complete training ahead of the 2026–2027 school year.