As classes began districtwide for USD 253 Emporia this week, concerns about the future of William Allen White have been put on pause — at least from the administrative standpoint.
Superintendent Allison Anderson-Harder had presented an idea last month to pause operations at the school in light of a districtwide staffing shortage that actually began developing after spring break earlier this year — and in light of ongoing enrollment declines, both at William Allen White and across the district. The Board of Education unanimously rejected that plan, clearing the way for the school to remain open at least for this school year.
Anderson-Harder says there is still a need for strategists and instructional coaches to address certain student needs.
Meanwhile, Anderson-Harder and other administrators are awaiting the final headcount numbers late next month, both at the school and district levels. She says early indications are promising.
The idea to pause William Allen White was addressed before the district’s Enrollment Study Work Group had finished its process and before a scheduled meeting with the school board to present its findings and recommendations in October. Anderson-Harder says the work group is still on track to meet with the board this fall.
KVOE News has been directed to set up interviews through the district’s Community Relations department. KVOE was directed to Anderson-Harder after requesting an interview with William Allen White Principal Tell Kirk.
