5 takeaways from Topeka USD 501 school board meeting

USD 501 board launches district-wide facilities assessment

Land swap approved for Boswell Park and Central Park gym

Hummer Sports Park investment portfolio sees gains

Board adopts new calendar with full week for Thanksgiving

New executive director of operations hired

USD 501 board launches district-wide facilities assessment

TOPEKA, Kan. - The Topeka Public Schools Board of Education received a comprehensive presentation from DLR Group regarding a new long-range facilities master plan. The architecture firm will conduct a "facility condition assessment" and an "educational suitability assessment" across all 32 district buildings over the next several months to determine physical needs and capacity utilization. DLR Group representatives noted that the data collected will populate a public-facing digital dashboard, providing transparency to taxpayers regarding deferred maintenance costs and prioritizing future projects, potentially including bond referendums or school consolidations based on equity and usage.

Land swap approved for Boswell Park and Central Park gym

TOPEKA, Kan. - The board unanimously approved a joint resolution with the Shawnee County Board of Commissioners to authorize a real property exchange. The agreement involves the district exchanging interest in Boswell Park for the exclusive use of the Central Park Gymnasium. This move is part of an ongoing effort to optimize district property usage and collaborate with local government entities to manage recreational spaces effectively.

Hummer Sports Park investment portfolio sees gains

TOPEKA, Kan. - Clayton Wealth Partners presented the annual report for the Topeka Public Schools Foundation’s investment in Hummer Sports Park, revealing a 14 percent year-to-date increase in the portfolio's value. An investment officer from the firm reported that despite inflation concerns, the fund has performed well, averaging an 8.5 percent return over the last decade. During the discussion, board member Dr. C. Richard Bonebrake questioned the income generation of the park itself, leading to a clarification from district administration that maintenance costs are covered by a combination of the foundation’s portfolio growth and operational gate receipts.

Board adopts new calendar with full week for Thanksgiving

TOPEKA, Kan. - Following a decisive staff vote, the board unanimously approved "Calendar Option B" for the upcoming school year. The new schedule, which was favored by nearly 82 percent of the more than 1,000 staff members surveyed, features a full week off for Thanksgiving break, differing from previous schedules that offered only three days. A district administrator in the Teaching and Learning department noted that the calendar maintains 190 contract days, with 173.5 days designated for student instruction.

New executive director of operations hired

TOPEKA, Kan. - The district introduced Brad Isnard as the incoming executive director of operations, set to assume his role in January. Isnard joins Topeka Public Schools from Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools, where he served as the executive director of finance. A district communications official highlighted Isnard’s background in educational finance, operational management and strategic resource planning as key assets for the district’s leadership team.

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