EMPORIA (KSNT) – Emporia Public Schools is discussing the possible closure of a local elementary school due to drops in enrollment.
USD 253 officials have held two hearings regarding Logan Avenue Elementary School, discussing whether or not it will remain open for the 2027-28 academic year. On Wednesday, Sept. 9, the board will meet to have an official vote on the closure.
Officials with Emporia Public Schools reported the elementary school’s enrollment has declined 23% percent in the last 10 years. District staff predicted that further decline in enrollment for 2026-27 would total 27%.
The district also reported that it covers a $2.75 million gap in Special Education State Funding and other declining revenue issues.
“It would be difficult to find the published reasons for the school closure. Which include declining enrollment and the district’s fiscal health to be unreasonable. Other KS school districts are facing those same concerns and addressing them in their own way, including closing those schools with either the lowest enrollment or the highest operational costs. Here, Logan Avenue Elementary appears to be the school building with the lowest enrollment. It also appears the district addressed the transportation concerns (expressed by the petitioners). Therefore, based on the totality of circumstances, closing Logan Avenue Elementary at the end of the 2026-27 school year is a reasonable action.”
Kansas Department of Education administrative review finding displayed at USD 253 meeting on Sept. 2.
Stormont Vail Health’s Osage City clinic restores X-ray services after four-year absence
District officials reported that if the school were to close in 2027-28 USD 253 would save $1.37 million in the first year and $5.9 million in three years. To view the most recent hearing on this situation, click here.
For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.
Follow Ben Nash on Facebook : https://tinyurl.com/KSNTBenNash
