Enrollment numbers may well be trending downward for USD 253 Emporia Public Schools by the time headcount numbers go official at the end of September.
Superintendent David McGehee’s written report to the Board of Education on Wednesday night indicated total enrollment has dipped from the September 2024 headcount of 4,050 students to 3,811, a drop of almost 240 students. The non-weighted full-time-equivalent student number, 4,019, is down from nearly 4,200 students last year — and that category is significant because it’s the one used to calculate state financial aid for the current academic year ending June 2026.
With those concerns and the possible impact on the 2026-27 funding calculation, the district is beginning an effort to contain costs. McGehee’s report says there will be a study over the next several months to prioritize items in the 2026-27 budget. McGehee has started work on a charter to set a timeline for recommendations as well as goals, objectives and membership for this effort. McGehee says the areas where the district may see significant savings might have to stay in the budget because they are “contractually obligated.”
