News Release March 12, 2026

Superintendent Dr. David McGehee Shares Cost Containment Team’s Recommendations for Board approval

Emporia, KS - Superintendent Dr. David McGehee shared a recommendation from the Cost Containment Team with the Board on the district’s ongoing efforts to address financial challenges and ensure long-term stability.

“Emporia Public Schools is committed to maintaining a strong financial foundation while continuing to provide the staffing, programs, and resources our students need to be successful,” Dr. McGehee said. The district’s Cost Containment Team has been reviewing finances and operations to respond to several key challenges:

• For the 2025–2026 school year, expenses are projected to exceed revenues by about $2 million.
• Declining enrollment is projected to reduce state funding by roughly $2.3 million for 2026–2027, with additional potential decreases based on the state funding formula.
• Rising costs beyond the district’s control, including higher insurance rates, inflation, and $1.4 million in additional salary expenses, are also contributing to financial pressures.
   

To address these challenges and protect the district’s end-of-year cash balance, the Cost Containment Team recommended targeted spending reductions of about $3.3 million for 2026–2027, with an additional $1.6 million projected for 2027–2028.

The multi-phase plan includes:

• Adjustments to programs and services, including reducing childcare services and consolidating preschool sections.
• Staffing reductions in instruction, operations, and activities.
• Closing Logan Elementary School at the beginning of the 2027-28 school year, pending Board approval following a scheduled Public Hearing on April 15, 2026.
• Moving Central Office operations to avoid costly necessary structural repairs and reducing operational expenses related to department/building budgets, training days, meeting costs, and copier contracts.
• Eliminating or adjusting some programs to be cost-neutral, including the Capturing Kids’ Hearts consulting contract and programs like JAG-K and Spartan Extra.

Overall, these steps are projected to reduce district expenditures by about $4.8 million over two years while continuing to focus on student learning and essential services. After reviewing the recommendations, the Board of Education approved Phases 1 and 2 of the plan.

“These steps are designed to align expenses with revenues, maintain financial stability, and continue providing the resources and programs that support student success across our district,” Dr. McGehee said. “As we move forward, we will continue working with the Board of Education, staff, and community to ensure Emporia Public Schools remains strong and focused on serving every student."