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.
