Topeka schools honor social workers, mark retirement of longtime coordinator

The Topeka Board of Education honored the district’s social workers and marked the retirement of Susan Mills, a leader credited with expanding social-work services across schools. Board members and social-work staff said the district now has more social workers than decades ago and emphasized the role’s direct impact on student attendance, mental health and readiness to learn.

"My goal is always going to be connection," said Susan Mills, who the board thanked for building up a social-work presence in every school. Presenters noted that about 25 years ago the district had 14 social workers; today there are 42, with at least one social worker in every building.

Multiple social workers described their day-to-day work: triaging student needs, coordinating with families and community providers, and using trained therapy dogs to help students co-regulate and manage anxiety. "They are trained to come into our buildings," one social worker said of therapy dogs, noting the dogs and handlers complete intensive training before school deployment.

Board members asked whether the district has adequate resources. Mills and colleagues said parent-support work and community partnerships are strengths, but funding pressures and capacity limits mean the district could use more staff. "We could use more personnel, more social workers," one speaker said.

The board presented a plaque and photos recognizing Mills and the social-work team’s contributions. The recognition coincided with broader district acknowledgements—Autism Acceptance Month, National School Library Month and Occupational Therapy Month—underscoring the district’s focus on student supports.

What’s next: Board members expressed appreciation and noted the value of sustaining support for social workers as a district priority.