At least from one perspective, it appears a decision on after-school programming for USD 253 Emporia will be coming very soon.
During a meeting Monday, the Emporia Recreation Commission Board discussed possible involvement to replace Boys and Girls Club of South Central Kansas after the Boys and Girls Club moved to end its 10-year partnership with the district seven years early. Rec Commission Director Amanda Gutierrez says there have been positive discussions from the ERC standpoint since the situation came to light last month.
The Rec Commission has been a natural potential partner because it operated the RecXtra after-school program for a dozen years before the partnership developed between USD 253 and the Boys and Girls Club in 2022. A district conversation is not currently on the USD 253 board meeting agenda for Wednesday night. Superintendent David McGehee has promised an after-school program in place by the time classes officially start Aug. 20.
The Rec Commission is not discussing what an after-school program will entail at this time.
Separately, the Rec Commission discussed adjustments by the Kansas State High School Activities Association to basketball tournaments. Emporia has been a host for years, including the Class 5A tournament the last several years. This year, Emporia has two — Class 1A Division II and Class 2A. Gutierrez says that’s not the only big change coming.
Gutierrez also says all the games to come will be at White Auditorium.
Other state tournaments that are confirmed in Emporia include the Class 5A golf tournament at the Municipal Golf Course.
