[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6040433,"mediaKeyId","3761934-6c344dd3d129780fb0bba4e348adf4d6","parentId",3761934,"title","Air and Space Forces Association honors TCALC instructor for STEM teaching; presents certificate and $750 check","audioSeconds",368,"startMs",2377000,"endMs",2745000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3761934-6c344dd3d129780fb0bba4e348adf4d6&start=2377&end=2745","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3761934-6c344dd3d129780fb0bba4e348adf4d6/thumbnail_2377000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6040433/Kansas/Air-and-Space-Forces-Association-honors-TCALC-instructor-for-STEM-teaching-presents-certificate-and-750-check","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6040433-db697dee836113e4b93a000826b0dc75/orig.mp4?Expires=1775270699&Signature=elMwMXehnx97aX5q8gV9vV-TfrGkmTO8dd-HFQISikflgUSkSKaJ80Kaz6eobUg5lB2W3NBXOu~Uy0FNWWXoFpCF86PEaNFykITMq7nGJ2EKhDG6miLW8ye~c1UvWsPel0nSvZEw9YO5ZaNGj67CnEda7pU8obA59kY3jiOrVKARk8BRrWeoKexGq~7GMhBYsJ~FFGpaeo-62wWvOcCwkMz~Ylc5aEY6l6RUKsm8t92~~fQWKHsd989Q9PysF~y6Ff9rrjlZjUMIyUbq~u7MFJG4249c10ki0Qnpiy6udk-KAB3zFDnJIpk0YXh1i0hbprxke~NaF1bi~pkDUer44Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Topeka Public School","date","2025-05-15T00:00:00Z","article","The Frye chapter of the Air and Space Forces Association honored a Topeka Public Schools STEM teacher for classroom work that the chapter said readied students for careers in cybersecurity, space and other STEM fields.

Stu Ance, president of the Kansas chapter of the Air and Space Forces Association, told the board the association seeks teachers whose instruction produces students with skills relevant to Air and Space Force missions. The chapter presented a local teacher with a state teacher of the year certificate, a jacket and a $750 check during the board meeting.

Why it matters: The association described programs such as CyberPatriots (a cybersecurity program) and an aerospace pathway and said it looks for classrooms that provide hands‑on learning; the board framed the award as recognition of the district’s STEM work and pipeline to technical careers. Board members thanked the teacher and the association for recognizing classroom innovation.

Teacher remarks: A TCALC instructor described the district’s engineering and robotics pathway: “We build robots for the VEX tournament…We competed at the KU high school design challenge. We built an airplane and a tower,” the teacher said, noting teams had recently competed at VEX Worlds and other contests.

Next steps: The board and association planned a photo opportunity and public appreciation; no board action was recorded. The district said it would share the recognition and thanked the association for supporting STEM instruction in local schools.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","TPS Board of Education - May 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A local chapter of the Air and Space Forces Association recognized a Topeka Public Schools STEM teacher for work preparing students with skills relevant to Air and Space Force missions, presented a certificate, a jacket and a $750 check.","taxTitle","Topeka Public Schools, School Boards, Kansas","taxId",14492,"location","Kansas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6040437,"District spotlights ‘grow‑your‑own’ path for speech‑language pathologists after staffing shortages",355,3992000,4347000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3761934-6c344dd3d129780fb0bba4e348adf4d6&start=3992&end=4347","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3761934-6c344dd3d129780fb0bba4e348adf4d6/thumbnail_3992000.jpg","/articles/6040437/Kansas/District-spotlights-growyourown-path-for-speechlanguage-pathologists-after-staffing-shortages","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6040437-9bec4cdbc8402bb6d9b99f105bc604a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775270699&Signature=UmxqzVDRLlgaP08phyuZYzvsK8INJ8HhP~h3fmGqxf2v6bPcs7iP2JDswvzxMs9SPzWmLjbR6orYoy2Y9a5Noyu73uyVhzq8kpIbKY9mhiLafT9ZUCv328EUBmSnV4PGH-G8LQD~k7tZvmpf7NkKvB0bkUED2bzOUJrZ6fLEtgBxxTnd9TDw0IByFgRukTm8bpn3R1wMkalWpuWvMGLby0CPg67AfGm3TzRDNRBKilL6pi3i4sXOEn9IFzGDXN2l0aIuMbOXdEVX42Zyym9laFb2oG-3qYO1eZPGnAYHY0uilqeh~O7clAJxaMfsu7KGmomycOo5EMihhE9v6VvjrA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Topeka Public Schools highlighted a district “grow‑your‑own” initiative that helped paraprofessionals become licensed speech‑language pathologists, introducing two new district SLPs and discussing the broader staffing challenges in related services.

Superintendent and district staff introduced Madison Dressler and Emma Bolander, who described moving from paraprofessional roles into graduate study and clinical externships while remaining connected to the district. Dressler said she “started as a para in the speech language department” while doing online graduate coursework, completed an internship and is now a speech therapist in district schools. Bolander described returning to the district for clinical rotations and now serving as an SLP at Highland Park Central.

Why it matters: District leaders said shortages in related services (speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, school psychology) are nationwide and that the district’s approach gives people a pathway to careers while helping keep positions filled. The board discussed the program as an alternative recruitment strategy to maintain service capacity.

Program details: District staff said participants were supported through supervised internships and externships; one staff member described a model in which paraprofessionals can be brought back for externships during graduate study. The district intends to use district clinics and partnerships to expand appointment access and support for staff pursuing credentials.

Next steps: Board members thanked the new SLPs and asked administration to continue recruiting through creative pathways and to report back on program outcomes. The presentation was a recognition and information item; no board action was recorded.","Topeka Public Schools showcased a local pathway that moved paraprofessionals into speech‑language pathology roles, highlighting two new SLPs who trained while working in district schools and noting the broader national shortage in related services.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6040442,"Topeka Public Schools highlights K‑State leadership academy graduates and rising administrators",452,3212000,3664000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3761934-6c344dd3d129780fb0bba4e348adf4d6&start=3212&end=3664","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3761934-6c344dd3d129780fb0bba4e348adf4d6/thumbnail_3212000.jpg","/articles/6040442/Kansas/Topeka-Public-Schools-highlights-KState-leadership-academy-graduates-and-rising-administrators","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6040442-cfe6162830775649ae385c2f952843bf/orig.mp4?Expires=1775270699&Signature=E4R3xDYEtTL~EBECAuu8QXze0feawZPwXBMOFZ5BsYoQ4andDYqKCep7791zPa7C3d5vv4z3~NQjLbbxJtoe~8c-kQ-6Lh5d6zPZ~ThtnpoDARptN4BiH3Fhg8teCYwkUJmfLK7173xngNccVkJ03FbeBsG-e-0L~DYNPWcO09GcvZHp2csW4xR8F51j2ZZYZ3u1vA2OcjE-BqARAjTRcrTJKbImQ9Tv0sFOBr4ZVT74yW7owzTRGDNGOS858RN8JsLm~yTydqiXZnYEVMp3G5knAsoYWdNQXtmja0Emje9OarKdrPfKx2~fk1iI-PLIyLUe3B-6FVs4QR2rxyiVng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Topeka Public Schools and Kansas State University celebrated a cohort of graduates from a two‑year K‑State Leadership Academy during the board meeting, highlighting the district’s pipeline for building leaders.

The program, run in partnership with Kansas State University, offers participants a master’s degree in educational leadership and prepares them for building‑level administrative licensure. Miss Wallace, the district lead for the program, told the board the partnership has produced 18 building leaders who completed the K‑State Leadership Academy and has accelerated other educators’ career growth.

Why it matters: The district emphasized “grow your own” strategies to staff schools with leaders who understand local needs. Several program graduates in the audience introduced themselves and shared recent placements: Deandre Phillips said he will be an administrative intern at Topeka West; Nicole Frazee said she will be a building leader intern at Lohman Elementary next year; Latasha Gates and others also announced administrative internships.

Program details and participants: K‑State faculty and district instructors jointly teach the cohort. Michelle Miller, introduced by the board as a K‑State professor, and district faculty including Dr. McDonald and Miss Wallace presented certificates to the cohort. Graduates who identified themselves included Deandre Phillips (behavioral and math interventionist, accepted administrative internship at Topeka West), Megan Edmonds (counselor at Scott Dual Language Magnet), Nicole Frazee (building leader intern at Lohman Elementary), Erica Whitaker (grade math teacher at Landon Middle School), and others listed at the meeting.

District appointments mentioned: During the superintendent’s report a handful of administrative placements were announced: Ms. Pino was appointed assistant principal at Williams Elementary and Ms. Yates will move into a role at Jardine (both described by the superintendent as promotions along the district succession path). The board and district leaders framed these moves as part of the pipeline the K‑State partnership supports.

Next steps: The district said it will continue the partnership with K‑State and present additional cohorts and placement updates to the board as participants complete internships and take administrative roles.","The district and Kansas State University faculty recognized a cohort of educators who completed a two‑year K‑State Leadership Academy partnership; several cohort members announced or accepted administrative internships and building‑level assignments.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6040447,"District committee recommends $50/month surcharge for adults without annual physicals to curb rising claims",2909,3216000,6125000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3761934-6c344dd3d129780fb0bba4e348adf4d6&start=3216&end=6125","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3761934-6c344dd3d129780fb0bba4e348adf4d6/thumbnail_3216000.jpg","/articles/6040447/Kansas/District-committee-recommends-50month-surcharge-for-adults-without-annual-physicals-to-curb-rising-claims","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6040447-c79812845b281339a8532c176d817ee8/orig.mp4?Expires=1775270699&Signature=E7guhvzajRT23rTye4GPIA78VAIyW~vqF6hfWLLiV39L~3v4jAkJJ4oC3s5QfSgm7S8yLba0REObyFDpAHsk6Gkrjc-tqJ9TtZ0EiBPyo2x8u776VsN0djkX3L8DdvQjc8P-h~vUle7k2n855-rIeAXME6tifodrySPOEccUINnzPdUlrY5EINNir4WpP6vA8RNEZpE7C78W1GzTHf8u~6Dbf5MQsutxmSBD2TFwRnE6ehzYoYc8SpsoGWuJQIeclTj1SMMhRjP~-v8WXaZWXAk~EPvmIE8HmRZNwBbHtjMVoqC5ykoeDQLQEtv8sYtu77QpI~AuGRV1OYFBy8zTtw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Topeka Public Schools health insurance committee recommended a physician‑engagement incentive that would require covered adults on district insurance to obtain an annual preventive screening or face a $50 per‑month premium surcharge, committee members told the Board of Education.

Under the committee recommendation, the program year would run July 1 through June 30. Any covered adult (employee and/or spouse) who does not complete an annual preventive visit during that period would incur an additional $50 per month on the district premium; two adults on a family plan would face $100 per month. A committee member summarized the annual exposure as “$1,200 a year” in a two‑adult family scenario.

Why it matters: District staff presented loss‑ratio data showing several years of unfavorable claims experience: the district’s loss ratio had been near 140% in a recent year and was about 124% year‑to‑date through March. The insurance broker and committee framed the proposal as a preventive‑care incentive to lower long‑term claims and stabilize premiums. The superintendent and board members said the program is intended to encourage preventive care rather than to be punitive.

Committee rationale and coverage: Miss Sharp and committee members said the broker (USI) recommended the $50‑per‑month starting point as a level strong enough to “move the needle” but mindful of retention risk. Miss Schmidt, a committee member, said the intent is “to get people to see their primary care provider and get in for routine exams…if anything is amiss, we catch it sooner.” The district noted that preventive services covered under the Affordable Care Act should be fully covered and that there should be no cost barrier to the preventive exam itself.

Operational questions and next steps: Board members raised operational issues including access to primary care providers and using district health clinics or Topeka High’s clinic for appointments and PD‑day scheduling. The committee asked the board to authorize moving forward with outreach to staff, setting program details and planning pilot communications; board members indicated support for prompt staff notification ahead of the program year.

Outcome: The committee presented the recommendation as a discussion item; there was no formal board vote recorded. Administrators said they would finalize implementation details, coordinate with district clinics, and provide further communication and follow‑up reporting to the board.","The district’s health insurance committee recommended an incentive program that waives a proposed premium surcharge for covered adults who get an annual preventive exam; adults who fail to get the exam during the plan year would pay $50 per month (per adult) added to premiums.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6040452,"Topeka school board agrees to draft bell-to-bell cellphone policy, excluding lunch, after lengthy debate",3203,6136000,9339000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3761934-6c344dd3d129780fb0bba4e348adf4d6&start=6136&end=9339","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3761934-6c344dd3d129780fb0bba4e348adf4d6/thumbnail_6136000.jpg","/articles/6040452/Kansas/Topeka-school-board-agrees-to-draft-bell-to-bell-cellphone-policy-excluding-lunch-after-lengthy-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6040452-129fb40b53939a0875636227020c5a29/orig.mp4?Expires=1775270699&Signature=cEUJYYmExDyBQVIsS8myNrYCV5cWP1xuZ7CwjjSr11wvsrLFOi-vekgpY9lRC~7pSpJqplGNmyXaH7Re0zIXMWZd7z--gvQErY7RPrUo2ivuEDIHl4qxMGne16tszLYgAfYyyAAbhBJzaqjixRVxTxGAY8dlhcNJVTfqn3O5x87XwOj~RO2LkH71ujydKdMgCo2lQ8~SkVibVgz5~YEN0TgskJMM7-42k6pQCfceSU~9kQ6dJYVPuLeLEtrWUcufKCotf6pmMmqyaj5hhKDAU9rlBpi4udqbMY5oUI7Clgwlwax0Z7Xtgf9IE0M-EvfFk6a8FvzWmCAmrsDIWuFFxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Topeka Public Schools Board of Education directed district staff to draft a cellphone policy that would bar phone use across campus during the school day except during lunch, after a lengthy work‑session discussion Tuesday night.

The board reached a consensus — not a formal vote — that the next draft should define “bell to bell” as school hours on school grounds and that policy language, enforcement options (for example, classroom pouches or school-level confiscation procedures) and communications for families be prepared for a future meeting.

Why it matters: Board members and staff said cellphones are disrupting instruction across the district, and teachers told the board they are inconsistent and often ineffective as the primary enforcers. Public commenter and Hope Street teacher Thomas Fulbright told the board phones had changed classroom dynamics and that “cell phones really have had a detrimental effect on just generally how class goes at Hope Street,” urging district‑level action.

Discussion highlights: Board members described a range of possible approaches. Dr. Beeson said she favored a bell‑to‑bell rule requiring phones to be powered down during school hours: “I think being in high schools, we have … students have cell phones powered down during the school day.” Dr. Baumbrick argued for a strict ban similar to policies in some European countries, saying phones are a “weapon of mass distraction.” Miss Schmidt said enforcement must be consistent districtwide so teachers aren’t put in an unequal position: “We have to make sure that administration go, teachers don't get to make this decision in their classrooms.”

Staff perspective and logistics: Secondary administrators warned of logistical challenges for buildingwide pouch systems or schoolwide locker programs. Mr. Reiner and other administrative staff noted constraints including limited locker space, bus procedures and the volume of students at major high schools. Mr. Reiner said make‑it‑work options include targeted classroom pouches, teacher‑level tools and school‑level processes rather than a single one‑size‑fits‑all solution.

Next steps: The board asked administration and the policy committee to prepare a draft policy for the board’s next meeting, with suggested enforcement steps and sample language. The draft will give principals options (for example, classroom storage boxes, Yondr‑style pouches, or office confiscation procedures) and include a communications plan for families explaining how parents should contact students during school hours.

Board direction and consensus: The board voiced a working consensus to pursue a bell‑to‑bell policy that excludes lunch and to return a draft quickly for formal action. That consensus — described repeatedly during the session — will be turned into a formal policy proposal by the policy committee and administration.","After public comment and a multi-hour board work session, the Topeka Public Schools Board of Education directed staff to draft a bell-to-bell cellphone policy that would bar phone use during the school day on campus except during lunch, with details and enforcement options to return to the board for approval.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Air and Space Forces Association honors TCALC instructor for STEM teaching; presents certificate and $750 check

District spotlights ‘grow‑your‑own’ path for speech‑language pathologists after staffing shortages

Topeka Public Schools highlights K‑State leadership academy graduates and rising administrators

District committee recommends $50/month surcharge for adults without annual physicals to curb rising claims

Topeka school board agrees to draft bell-to-bell cellphone policy, excluding lunch, after lengthy debate