Topeka board agrees to publish hearing to amend 2025–26 at‑risk and special‑education budgets

The Topeka Public Schools board voted unanimously May 21 to publish a notice of hearing to amend two 2025–26 fund budgets: the at‑risk fund and the special‑education fund.

District finance staff said an audited headcount for the at‑risk funding source (based on free‑lunch status) came back higher by 101 students, producing roughly $586,000 in additional revenue; the board was asked to republish the at‑risk budget so the district can legally spend that money. Staff also sought an additional $500,000 in special‑education expenditure authority to cover rising costs, which were described as largely driven by increased special‑education transportation and other unanticipated expenses.

Officials emphasized no change to the district’s mill levy or ad valorem property tax will result from the republish request. Publication in the Topeka Metro was scheduled for Memorial Day; the board must wait ten days before holding a budget hearing, which places the hearing on June 4, the next regular meeting.

Board members and staff discussed the longer‑running special‑education funding shortfall. District staff said last year’s transfers from the general/local option budgets to special education totaled about $13.1 million; staff noted that state reimbursement for excess special‑education costs remains below statutory targets.

Next steps: the district will publish the notice and hold a public hearing at the June 4 board meeting. If adopted after the hearing, the amended expenditure authority would allow the district to spend the audited at‑risk funds and provide additional flexibility in special‑education spending.