New state law prompts board to reevaluate cell phone policy

Board member proposes ad hoc committee for police warrants in schools

Board considers relocating meetings to community venues

State school finance task force stalls on future funding plans

District launches summer hiring fairs and listening tours

20th annual ShareFest saves district up to $100,000

Highland Park High School students place 11th in national rocketry competition

New state law prompts board to reevaluate cell phone policy

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Topeka Public Schools Board of Education is reevaluating its student cell phone policy to comply with a new state law mandating a "bell to bell" ban on devices. During Thursday's meeting, board members expressed concerns about placing the burden of enforcement solely on classroom teachers. A board member suggested checking and confiscating phones at school entrances to ensure universal compliance. The board's policy committee is currently working to weave the district's current expectations into the new state mandate, acknowledging that clear communication with parents and students will be necessary to navigate the stricter rules this coming school year.

Board member proposes ad hoc committee for police warrants in schools

TOPEKA, Kan. — A board member proposed the creation of a community ad hoc committee to address ongoing concerns about what members described as the Topeka Police Department serving warrants to students inside schools. The suggestion follows a recent meeting between members of the board and a Topeka City Council member, aimed at bridging the gap between the two governing bodies regarding the issue. The member stated that a committee comprising diverse community members could help establish safeguards and alleviate parent anxieties regarding law enforcement interactions on school campuses.

Board considers relocating meetings to community venues

TOPEKA, Kan. — In an effort to increase accessibility and transparency, the Board of Education is exploring the possibility of holding future meetings at various community locations, such as school buildings or the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. Board leadership noted that the district's Burnett Administrative Center can be intimidating or difficult for some residents to access. To ease the logistical burden on the district's information technology department, the board discussed potentially suspending live streams for these off-site meetings, provided the locations are properly publicized in advance to comply with open meetings laws. The proposal presents a potential contradiction, as suspending live streams would reduce accessibility for residents unable to attend in person, and board leadership has not yet clarified how halting broadcasts aligns with the stated goal of increased transparency.

State school finance task force stalls on future funding plans

TOPEKA, Kan. — Board member Sue Bolley reported that the state's Education Funding Task Force, a legislative body evaluating the next Kansas school finance plan, is experiencing significant frustration due to a lack of clear direction. According to Bolley, who attended the task force meetings at the State Capitol, members are feeling inundated with data regarding graduation rates and spending but are struggling to formulate a cohesive legislative plan. The committee has only two remaining meetings in the fall to finalize a funding proposal before the January legislative session.

District launches summer hiring fairs and listening tours

TOPEKA, Kan. — Topeka Public Schools is rolling out a series of summer hiring and enrollment fairs to attract new staff and engage parents, alongside a newly revamped, mobile-friendly human resources platform. Superintendent Tiffany Anderson announced that the district will also host several community listening tours at local venues, offering free meals to the first 20 attendees to encourage participation. Additionally, the district's investigator is conducting exit interviews with resigning staff to collect trend data on employee retention, which will be presented to the board later this summer.

20th annual ShareFest saves district up to $100,000

TOPEKA, Kan. — The district celebrated the 20th anniversary of ShareFest, an annual community service event that recently brought nearly 700 volunteers from local churches and organizations to eight school campuses. Volunteers provided landscaping, painting and general cleanup services, which district officials estimate saves Topeka Public Schools between $50,000 and $100,000 annually in mulch, paint and labor costs. ShareFest coordinator Jeremy Wynne stated the group aims to continue finding creative ways to engage the community despite broader national trends of decreasing volunteer engagement.

Highland Park High School students place 11th in national rocketry competition

TOPEKA, Kan. — Highland Park High School students were recognized by the board Thursday for placing 11th in the national American Rocketry Challenge held in Washington, D.C. Board members praised the students' dedication to developing their project and competing at a high level. The achievement was highlighted during board comments as part of a broader celebration of recent district successes, which also included strong state-level finishes for Topeka High School's softball team and Topeka West's track program.

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