Emporia Schools Encouraged by Climate Survey Results

District sees improvements in communication and leadership, but notes areas for growth in student behavior and staff support.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Emporia Public Schools leadership presented the results of a recent district-wide climate survey at the USD 253 Board of Education meeting on Wednesday. The survey, conducted by the Kansas Association of School Boards, showed improvements in areas like superintendent and building leadership, two-way communication, and parent/guardian experience. However, the district also identified potential growth areas such as student behavior, staff support, and mental health.

Why it matters

The climate survey results provide valuable data for the district as it prepares to make recommendations on cost containment measures in the coming weeks. The feedback can help inform discussions around resource allocation and priorities to address areas needing improvement.

The details

The climate survey received over 1,200 responses from district patrons and stakeholders, down slightly from previous years. Key positives included strong ratings for superintendent and building leadership, two-way communication, school climate, and parent/guardian experience. Areas identified for potential growth include student behavior and discipline consistency, staff support and workload, facilities, and student mental health. District leadership stated the overall results were highly positive and in line with their expectations.

  • The climate survey was conducted in November 2025.
  • The survey results were presented at the USD 253 Board of Education meeting on February 11, 2026.

The players

Britton Hart

Kansas Association of School Boards Assistant Executive Director of Leadership Services and former Emporia High School Principal, who led the presentation of the climate survey results.

Lyndel Landgren

Emporia Public Schools District Community Relations Director, who commented on the positive nature of the survey findings.

USD 253 Board of Education

The governing body of Emporia Public Schools that received the climate survey presentation.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The district will hold a special work session on March 4th to discuss recommendations for cost containment, and the Board of Education will vote on those recommendations on March 11th. The climate survey data could be a helpful talking point in those discussions.

The takeaway

The Emporia Public Schools climate survey results show the district is making progress in key areas like communication and leadership, but still has work to do in addressing student behavior, staff support, and mental health. This data will be crucial as the district navigates upcoming budget decisions and resource allocation.