Ford and Austin Honored

Superintendent Dr. Julie Ford and Associate Superintendent Tammy Austin were honored at the September 18 board of education meeting.  Both received the UCEA Excellence in Educational Leadership Award from Kansas State University. UCEA stands for University Council for Educational Administrators, a group of 60 universities in the United States and Canada known for their doctorate and leadership programs.

Dr. Mary Devin of Kansas State University praised Ford and Austin for their role in creating and supporting a leadership academy in Topeka Public Schools.  Teachers who show potential for leadership are chosen to take part in the two year academy which leads to a master’s degree in educational leadership from Kansas State University.  The school district pays for books and a mentor and provides a place to meet in Topeka. Two members of the first academy spoke at the board meeting.  The second leadership academy is currently underway. The leadership academy is helping prepare the next generation of leaders in Topeka Public Schools. “We must build leadership capacity to ensure that our educational mission is carried out and ultimately our students are provided with a world class education,” said Austin.