News Release June 12, 2025 (2)

Board of Education Approves Leeds as the Interim Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning and Student Services for Emporia Public Schools 

Emporia, KS – Emporia Public Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Sheryl Leeds as Interim Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and Student Services for the 2025-26 school year.

Leeds brings more than 30 years of administrative and teaching experience to her new role. She has served as an Assistant Principal at Emporia High School for the past five years and was previously the Principal of IXL Elementary in Arkansas City. Her leadership journey also includes positions at Lincoln PALS, Jefferson Elementary, and Admire Elementary. Earlier in her career, she taught 7th-grade math at Emporia Middle School, 6th-grade math at Lowther North Intermediate, and 7th-grade math and science at Rose Hill Middle School. A proud graduate of Emporia High School, Leeds is deeply connected to the Emporia community.

“It is my privilege to serve as the Interim Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and Student Services,” said Ms. Leeds. “I look forward to supporting our educators, empowering our students, and working collaboratively to ensure every learner has access to high-quality, equitable education. It is a true honor to accept this position and to continue building on Emporia’s strong foundation of academic excellence.”

Dr. David McGehee, incoming Superintendent of Emporia Public Schools, expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment. “I am thrilled to welcome Ms. Sheryl Leeds as the Interim Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and Student Services for the 2025-26 school year,” he said. “Sheryl’s deep roots in our community, along with her decades of experience as a teacher and administrator, make her exceptionally well-suited for this role. I am confident that she will provide steady leadership and a collaborative vision as we work to support students and staff across the district.”

Leeds holds a District Level Leadership Certification, a Master’s degree in Educational Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in Education, all from Emporia State University. She will assume her new role on July 1, succeeding Mrs. Judy Stanley, who is retiring after serving as Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and Student Services.

For more information about Emporia Public Schools and its leadership, please visit www.usd253.org.