Topeka school board to fight city over expiring police contract

The Topeka Public Schools board is launching a campaign to pressure the city into saving its school resource officer program after the Topeka City Council voted 8-2 this month to end municipal funding. Following a July recommendation from Topeka Police Chief Chris Vallejo to let the partnership lapse, city leaders rejected a district offer to pay an additional $150,000 to keep commissioned police in the buildings. The current agreement expires June 30, 2027, giving the district a nine-month window before it loses its officers.

Without taking a formal vote or presenting alternative security plans or cost estimates, school board members expressed deep disappointment with the city at a recent meeting. Board members argued that the school district, as one of the capital city's largest employers, deserves a stronger voice in municipal decisions.

The high-stakes conflict over who pays for and commands school police is being settled by a contract non-renewal rather than a direct public vote to end the program. As a result, the district plans to use the remaining runway to lobby the city.

With some council members still expressing a desire to negotiate, the board hopes political pressure will force a new agreement before the officers depart next summer.

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