6 takeaways from Topeka USD 501 school board meeting

District Launches Innovative Teacher Apprenticeship Program to Combat Shortages

Topeka Public Schools is launching a pioneering teacher apprenticeship program this year aimed at creating a direct pipeline of future educators for the district. The program, a partnership with Washburn University and Washburn Tech, will allow high school students to earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Para Education by the time they graduate high school. This new model expands the existing “Teacher Pathway.” Students in the program, like rising senior Elie Hisey, will attend classes full-time at Washburn and TCALC. The district will serve as the apprentice host, and thanks to its status as a registered apprentice program with the Department of Labor, the district can draw down funds to pay for the students’ tuition, making the program free for participants. Twenty-one students are enrolled in the program for the upcoming school year and will be placed in schools after Labor Day as district employees. Board members lauded the initiative as a creative solution to the ongoing teacher shortage.  

Topeka Students Earn National Acclaim, Secure Publishing Deal

Two Topeka Public Schools students received national honors at the Educators Rising national competition in Orlando this past June. Aveline Bowling, a recent graduate of Topeka High School, won first place in the nation for a preschool children’s book she wrote and illustrated. As part of her win, Bowling is set to receive a publishing deal for her interactive book about a worm inspired by art.  Elie Hisey, a senior in the teacher pathway program, placed eighth in the nation for her lesson plan in the fine arts category. Hisey developed and presented a lesson based on “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” to a third-grade class at Whitson Elementary. Both students were celebrated by the board for their outstanding achievements and for representing the district on a national stage.  

Board Dives Deep into Needs Assessment, Student Mobility, and Growth

The Board of Education engaged in a lengthy and detailed discussion of the annual needs assessment, focusing on the complex barriers to student achievement. A significant topic was student mobility, with district staff noting that poverty and a lack of affordable housing contribute to families moving frequently. The recent closure of the Timberlee Apartments, for example, displaced over 60 students, forcing them into new school environments. The district currently has 50 students registered as homeless and living in a shelter before the school year has even begun.  Board members expressed a desire to find ways for students to remain at their home school despite moves, a service the district provides when possible. The discussion also highlighted the district’s use of a custom “special needs index,” which amalgamates factors like poverty, homelessness, and mobility to help allocate resources more effectively to schools with the greatest need. Citing the complexity of the data, board members called for a future retreat to delve more deeply into the assessment and better understand the difference between student achievement and student growth.

District Enrollment Booming Ahead of New School Year

Topeka Public Schools is experiencing phenomenal enrollment numbers as it heads into the new school year, with capacity rates at or near 100% across all levels. During the meeting, it was announced that elementary schools are at 97% capacity, middle schools are at 99%, and high schools have reached 101% capacity. The robust figures were presented as a major success for the district. Board member Mr. Tatum stated, “That is fantastic. That’s phenomenal. Exactly what we want to see.” He suggested the high enrollment is a direct result of the quality of the district’s staff and programs, concluding that “people are choosing Topeka public schools and that is a fantastic achievement.”

District Celebrates “Huge” Reduction in Long-Term Substitutes

The district has made significant strides in teacher recruitment, resulting in the lowest number of classrooms covered by long-term substitutes in five years. Board member Ms. Bolley announced the success during her comments, calling it a “huge celebration” for the district. While the exact number was not recalled during the comment, she stated the district is down to fewer than 20 long-term substitute positions needed to start the year. The achievement was credited to the hard work of the district’s Human Resources department. The ability to have permanent, qualified teachers in place is a critical factor for student success and has been a persistent challenge for the district in recent years.

School Begins with New Cell Phone Policy in Place

As students prepare to return to classrooms next week, they will be met with a significant operational change: a newly updated and stricter cell phone policy. During board comments, Mr. Muñoz acknowledged the considerable effort required from staff to communicate and implement the new rules. The policy change is part of a broader effort to improve the classroom learning environment, enhance students’ emotional well-being, and allow teachers to do their jobs more effectively. Board members recognized that they are asking a lot of the staff who are on the front lines of enforcing the policy and that it will take time to adjust. The first day of school for students in grades K-6 and 9 is Tuesday, followed by all other students on Wednesday.

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