Topeka Public Schools USD 501

TPS Equity Council

Topeka Public Schools Equity Council is a collaborative group of individuals who are focused on the assignment of closing the racial achievement gap between students of color and other racial groups, while raising the achievement of all students, narrowing the gaps between highest and lowest performing students, and eliminating the racial predictability and disproportionality of which student groups occupy the highest and lowest achievement categories. TPS Equity Council members are elected or appointed to serve either a three-year term or a one-year term as described in Topeka Public Schools Equity Council by-laws. 

Purpose

TPS Equity Council will investigate ways race impacts personal and professional attitudes and behaviors. TPS Equity Council will:

• Lead colleagues in an examination of individual and institutional culture in relation to equity and anti-racism;
• Establish professional learning communities where adults can effectively develop skills and knowledge necessary to improve student performance and eliminate racial achievement disparities;
• Make recommendations to TPS Board of Education around equity issues.

Expectations of Members

• Attend and complete two days of Beyond Diversity training provided by the district.
• Participate in all monthly meetings. If unable to attend, notify lead facilitator.
• Participate in standing committees and review data to make recommendations to the board.
• Participate in ad hoc committees as appointed.
• Help develop district staff development plan to aid in equity training.
• Assist with development of building equity teams.
• Other duties and training as assigned.

Council Composition

Twenty-five (25) voting members shall make up the council, made up of people from throughout the community.

One each from the following:

• Principal, high school
• Principal, middle school
• Principal, elementary school
• Teacher, high school
• Teacher, middle school
• Teacher, elementary school
• Parent, high school student
• Parent, middle school student
• Parent, elementary school student
• DCAC representative
• Student, Topeka HS
• Student, Topeka West HS
• Student, Highland Park HS
• Student, Capital City School
• Student, Hope Street Academy
• KNEA-T representative

Three each from the following:

• Classified, district or building
• Community/business member
• At-large position

TPS Equity Council Planning Team

• Dr. Julie Ford, Superintendent
• Ms. Tammy Austin, Executive Director of Administration
• Mrs. Cindy Kelly, Attorney
• Dr. Beryl New, Principal of HPHS
• Mr. Dustin Dick, Associate Principal of HPHS
• Dr. Linda Wiley, Principal of THS
• Ms. Annette Kenoly, Assistant Principal of French Middle School
• Mr. Nick Nichols, Principal of Ross Elementary
• Ms. Betty Young, Staff Development Coordinator
• Ms. Janel Johnson, Board Member
• Ms. Amy Quirin, ELL Teacher at HPHS
• Mrs. Angela Locke, Communications