7 takeaways from Topeka USD 501 school board meeting

USD 501 enrollment continues decline, mirroring national trend

Chronic absenteeism rate shows significant improvement

Board approves legislative agenda prioritizing public school funding

Board members highlight East Topeka community concerns

District ramps up teacher and substitute recruitment efforts

Consultant hired to address behavior issues at Eisenhower Middle School

District audiologist warns of rising hearing loss in teens

USD 501 enrollment continues decline, mirroring national trend

TOPEKA, Kan. - Topeka Public Schools’ enrollment has dropped by 150 students to 12,854 this fall, with projections showing another 150-student decline over the next three years, according to a report presented to the Board of Education Thursday. Dr. Aaron Kipp, the district’s general director of assessment and demographics, identified lower birth rates since the 2008 recession and an aging local population as primary drivers of the trend, which reflects similar declines across Kansas and the nation. Board member Michelle Bully noted the declining numbers present a "real challenge in our future in financing our district," urging the board to begin planning for the financial impact.

Chronic absenteeism rate shows significant improvement

TOPEKA, Kan. - Topeka Public Schools has made significant strides in reducing chronic absenteeism, according to data presented Thursday. The district’s rate has been on a steady decline over the past five years and is now approaching the state average of 19 percent. Dr. Aaron Kipp, who presented the figures, credited the district's focused strategies and implementation for the positive trend. Improving student attendance is a key goal for both the board and district administration, as regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of academic success.

Board approves legislative agenda prioritizing public school funding

TOPEKA, Kan. - The Board of Education unanimously approved its 2025 legislative priorities, joining other Shawnee County districts in a “One Unified Voice” platform that opposes using taxpayer funds for private school vouchers. The agenda, presented by lobbyist Jim Edwards, also calls for reforming the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System to aid teacher recruitment and retention, fully funding special education to the statutorily required 92 percent level and ensuring flexibility for at-risk student funding. Edwards warned that the debate over vouchers and tax credits would likely be a major issue in the upcoming legislative session.

Board members highlight East Topeka community concerns

TOPEKA, Kan. - Concerns that communities on the east side of Topeka feel "forgotten" or "undervalued" were raised by two board members during their closing comments, referencing feedback received at a recent candidate forum. They challenged the board to apply an equity lens to all decisions and suggested proactive outreach, such as holding listening tours in the area, to better connect with residents and ensure their voices are heard.

District ramps up teacher and substitute recruitment efforts

TOPEKA, Kan. - The district is intensifying its efforts to recruit and retain staff, the personnel committee reported. Initiatives include attending a job fair at Emporia State University to build a stronger pipeline for student teachers, extending early job offers to current student teachers and implementing a new orientation program that has already trained 76 substitute teachers. Board member Sue Bolley said the orientation has improved the district's reputation as a desirable place to work for substitutes. Additionally, 26 schools now have a dedicated long-term substitute on staff to provide consistent coverage.

Consultant hired to address behavior issues at Eisenhower Middle School

TOPEKA, Kan. - The board approved a contract for a consultant to provide professional development on behavior and classroom management for staff at Eisenhower Middle School. The action, part of the consent agenda, was questioned by a board member who asked why the support was directed at a single school. Administration officials explained the consultant was brought in at the end of last school year to address specific behavioral struggles at Eisenhower and is returning for follow-up training and classroom visits.

District audiologist warns of rising hearing loss in teens

TOPEKA, Kan. - The district’s educational audiologist reported a concerning increase in hearing loss among students, which she largely attributes to the use of headphones. During a presentation for National Audiology Awareness Month, Lachling stated that the rate of hearing loss among students aged 6 to 19 has climbed from 12 percent to nearly 17 percent in recent years. She advised parents that if they can hear music from their child’s headphones across a room, the volume is too loud.

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