> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.citizenjournal.us/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Takeaways from Topeka USD 501 Education Board Meeting - URL: https://www.citizenjournal.us/takeaways-from-topeka-usd-501-education-board-meeting-12/ - Published: 2026-09-18T12:15:15.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-18T12:15:15.000Z - Description: Week of September 18, 2026 - Author: Cronkite - Tags: tcj, #summary, dnn # District sees 11 percent drop in chronic absenteeism # Bus transportation woes contribute to student absences # District reaches post-pandemic high in staffing levels # District faces 30 percent spike in health insurance costs # Board raises financial concerns over expanding high school sports # New cellphone restrictions yield positive results # Board criticizes city over loss of school resource officer contract --- ### District sees 11 percent drop in chronic absenteeism TOPEKA, Kan. — Topeka Public Schools reported an 11 percent decrease in chronic absenteeism over the past year \[1\], with 13 schools falling below the national average of 24 percent. Landon Middle School Principal Amy Wagner highlighted her school's specific success, noting a drop from an absenteeism rate of 28.9 percent during the 2021-22 school year to 12.7 percent last year. District officials emphasized that the federal definition of chronic absenteeism — missing 10 percent or more of the school year — includes both excused and unexcused absences, and they plan to continue targeted interventions to further reduce the numbers. --- ### Bus transportation woes contribute to student absences TOPEKA, Kan. — District officials reported that recent transportation challenges involving local provider Kansas Central School Bus have directly impacted student attendance \[2\]. Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Anderson and district staff stated that reported issues with the new My Stop app and delayed route assignments have left some families without transportation, contributing to higher absenteeism this month \[2, 3\]. District leaders noted they have met with Jason Walker, CEO of parent company North American Central School Bus, and are demanding immediate improvements to the transportation system \[4\]. --- ### District reaches post-pandemic high in staffing levels TOPEKA, Kan. — Topeka Public Schools has hit a significant milestone in post-COVID-19 hiring, with the human resources department reporting that eight schools currently have zero staff vacancies. Additionally, nine buildings have fully filled all of their classified staff positions. The district recently recruited three Washburn University students to serve as substitute teachers, a move board members hope will establish a pipeline to bring more university students into the district's workforce. --- ### District faces 30 percent spike in health insurance costs TOPEKA, Kan. — The district's health committee reported a 30 percent increase in health insurance costs, largely driven by hospital stays, oncology and prescription medications. Board members discussed potential strategies to mitigate future hikes, such as exploring self-insurance models or adjusting the district's prescription drug formulary. The board expects to seek competitive bids for health insurance in the next 18 to 24 months to address the ongoing financial strain. --- ### Board raises financial concerns over expanding high school sports TOPEKA, Kan. — As the Kansas State High School Activities Association considers adding boys volleyball in the spring, board members are questioning the financial sustainability of continuously expanding athletic programs. Following the recent addition of girls flag football, the board noted the compounding costs of uniforms, officials and transportation. While acknowledging that sports help reduce student absenteeism, the board plans to carefully review budget impacts before fully endorsing further athletic expansions. --- ### New cellphone restrictions yield positive results TOPEKA, Kan. — The implementation of a new districtwide cellphone restriction has been largely successful, administrators reported Tuesday. Topeka High School Principal Dustin Dick noted that staff are only confiscating about 10 devices — including phones, smartwatches and headphones — per day among the student body \[5\]. Across all district high schools and middle schools, administrators have seen significant compliance with the new policy and minimal need for disciplinary action or formal parent meetings. --- ### Board criticizes city over loss of school resource officer contract TOPEKA, Kan. — Board members expressed deep disappointment with the city of Topeka over its decision not to renew the district's school resource officer contract \[6, 7\]. During board comments, members stressed the need for the school district to have a stronger voice in local government decisions, noting that Topeka Public Schools is one of the largest employers in the city \[8\]. The city's decision to end the partnership raised concerns among the board regarding future security coordination between the school district and local law enforcement \[6\]. --- [Click here for local obituaries](https://cjus.me/tcj-obit?ref=citizenjournal.us) [Click here for local jail logs](https://cjus.me/tcj-jail?ref=citizenjournal.us) --- --- Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below: [Contact Us](https://www.citizenjournal.us/contact/) --- [![Job Board](https://rosebud-ads.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/JOB.png)](https://gregl72.github.io/job/?ref=citizenjournal.us)