5 takeaways from Topeka USD 501 school board meeting
July 10, 2025
Board Greenlights Tax Increase Proposal
The Topeka Public Schools Board of Education has authorized its administration to notify the Shawnee County Clerk of its intent to exceed the “revenue neutral rate” for the upcoming budget year. This is a required procedural step for the district to collect more in total property tax revenue than it did the previous year. Officials noted the move does not set the final tax rate but establishes a maximum ceiling for budget discussions. The district’s finance chief, Mr. Matt Busey, explained that a significant driver for the proposed increase is a reduction in state aid for bond and interest payments. This reduction must now be covered by the local mill levy. Another factor is a proposal to levy the maximum eight mills for the capital outlay fund to address the needs of aging buildings and major maintenance projects. The board will hold public hearings and formally adopt the final budget and mill levy on September 4th.
TPS to Join County-Wide “Real-Time Crime Center”
Topeka Public Schools is moving forward with a plan to integrate its security cameras into the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office’s FUSUS center, a real-time crime-monitoring platform. The move aims to provide first responders with live video access during emergencies. Chief Bill Cochran explained that in the event of a 911 call, the FUSUS center could access designated school cameras to direct law enforcement, fire, or medical personnel more effectively. Board members discussed privacy safeguards, with officials assuring them that a memorandum of understanding would prevent “unfettered access” to interior cameras. The Sheriff’s Office would only view interior feeds if notified by the district or if a 911 call triggers the system. The initial proposal involves connecting 180 cameras to the network for a one-time cost of $7,300 and an annual subscription of $2,300. The board directed the administration to develop a detailed implementation plan for a future vote.
New Cell Phone Policy Aims for “Focused Learning”
As students prepare to return to school, they will be met with an updated cell phone policy designed to “support a more focused learning environment.” Dr. Tiffany Anderson’s administration detailed a multi-pronged communication strategy to ensure families are aware of the new expectations before the first day of school. The plan includes updates on the district and school websites, information in the student handbook, and discussion during “Meet the Teacher” nights. The policy discussion prompted board members to raise concerns about parent-child communication during emergencies. Board member Mrs. Lisa Schmitt stressed the need for schools to have a reliable, staffed phone number for parents to call, warning that a parent who gets a calling tree during an emergency will create significant issues. The administration pledged to work with school principals to ensure clear communication channels are established and publicized for parents.
District Tackling Tech Policy, From Passwords to eSports
The district’s technology committee is working through a host of modern challenges, from cybersecurity to the growing world of eSports. Board member Ms. Sue Bolley reported that the district is preparing for a Windows 11 rollout, which will require all users to create stronger passwords that are changed more frequently to protect the district’s network. A debate is also forming around whether students should be allowed to take district-owned computers home over the summer, with some board members advocating for a policy requiring devices to be returned. This would allow the IT department crucial time to perform maintenance and updates before the school year begins. In other tech news, the district is moving forward with an eSports program, and board members have reviewed a survey of potential game packages that could be offered to students.
Back to School 2025: EV Buses, New Staff, and Key Dates
The district is gearing up for the 2025-2026 school year with several key events and a new commitment to sustainability. Dr. Aarion Gray, of the district’s communications team, announced that the district will introduce several electric buses to its fleet in October, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for August 6 at the Stormont Vail Events Center. New staff orientation will run from July 28-31. “Meet the Teacher Night” for K-5 students is scheduled for Monday, August 11. The first day of school for transitional grades (kindergarten, 6th, and 9th) is August 12, with all other students returning on August 13. Another key event is the annual “United for a Successful School Year” on August 2 at Ross Elementary, where community and clergy will provide free haircuts and school supplies.
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