7 takeaways from Topeka USD 501 school board meeting
November 20 2025
Board discusses impact of new TIF district on school funding
Lewis Toyota steps in to sponsor Topeka Invitational Tournament
Advisors Excel partnership implements new data-driven model
Minority Leadership Academy expands professional development with Evergy partnership
City of Topeka partnership secures Law Enforcement Pathway program
New aviation program proposed to prepare students for local industry
Williams Elementary sees massive growth in family engagement
Board discusses impact of new TIF district on school funding
TOPEKA, Kan. — The Board of Education is weighing its response to the creation of a new Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district by the city of Topeka, a tool that could divert future property tax revenue from the school district. Board Vice President Meredith Schmidt raised the issue, noting the district has a 30-day window following the city's public hearing to formally state that the TIF would have an adverse effect on its budget. Board members discussed the need for a more proactive strategy, suggesting the district’s Finance Committee review future TIF proposals or that a board member be appointed to a city planning committee to ensure public education has a voice in economic development decisions that impact school funding.
Lewis Toyota steps in to sponsor Topeka Invitational Tournament
TOPEKA, Kan. — Lewis Toyota of Topeka will sponsor the Topeka Invitational Tournament, Highland Park High School administrators announced Thursday, filling a critical funding gap for the historic basketball competition. During a report to the Board of Education, Principal B.J. Watson shared that the new partnership, facilitated by district consultant Larry Robbins, was secured just this week. The announcement came during a presentation highlighting the successes of the school’s Freshman Academy, which administrators credit with significantly improving attendance, grades and behavior among ninth-grade students by fostering a strong sense of belonging and safety.
Advisors Excel partnership implements new data-driven model
TOPEKA, Kan. — A long-standing partnership between Topeka Public Schools and Advisors Excel is being enhanced with a new data-driven model to measure student success. Dr. Aarion Gray, principal of Eisenhower and Ross Middle Schools, presented the “Return on Investment” strategy, which will track attendance, academic performance and behavior data for students in an educational pipeline from preschool through high school. The partnership supports schools with higher needs, including Sheldon, Pine Ridge, Ross, Eisenhower and Highland Park, funding programs such as family engagement events, college visits and the “Girls on the Run” mentorship program.
Minority Leadership Academy expands professional development with Evergy partnership
TOPEKA, Kan. — The district’s Minority Leadership Academy (MLA) is strengthening its professional development opportunities through a renewed partnership with Evergy. Dr. Aarion Gray, president of the academy, told the board that the collaboration provides Topeka Public Schools administrators with advanced training in areas like emotional intelligence and crucial conversations, as well as unique experiences like a recent tour of the Wolf Creek Generating Station. Angela Kuhl of Evergy said the partnership aims to build the next pipeline of leaders. The MLA, led by district administrators, also provides a scholarship each year to a Topeka Public Schools student pursuing a career in education.
City of Topeka partnership secures Law Enforcement Pathway program
TOPEKA, Kan. — A partnership with the city of Topeka has ensured the continuation of the Law Enforcement Pathway at the Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers (TCALC), a program that was at risk of being discontinued. The city has provided a full-time police officer, Pamela Reeder, to teach the course to 38 students from across the district. The renewed partnership has also allowed for an expanded curriculum, with guest speakers now addressing topics such as human trafficking and showcasing career opportunities in dispatch, social work and the legal field, in addition to traditional policing roles.
New aviation program proposed to prepare students for local industry
TOPEKA, Kan. — Topeka Public Schools is preparing to launch an aviation program at the Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers (TCALC) to create a pipeline for careers in the local aviation industry. As part of a series of proposed high school course changes for next year, the district plans to offer an aviation maintenance course and has already piloted a private pilot ground school as an independent study for two students. TCALC Director Laura Nichols said the district is working to secure an instructor and a flight simulator to help students log hours toward their pilot exams, aligning the program with economic development efforts at Forbes Field.
Williams Elementary sees massive growth in family engagement
TOPEKA, Kan. — Williams Science and Fine Arts Magnet School has dramatically increased family participation in school events, transforming an engagement night that once drew three families into a community resource fair attended by over 200 people. Principal Kelly Ritter credited third-grade teacher and Title I Family Engagement Coordinator Jennifer Charity for the turnaround. Charity recruited more than 30 community organizations, including the Topeka Metro, food pantries and health service providers, to connect families with vital resources. The successful event is now being used as a model for other family engagement liaisons across the district.
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