Topeka superintendent connects with families in person

Tiffany Anderson made history in 2016 by becoming the first Black woman superintendent of the 13,000-student, 32-school Topeka Public Schools in Kansas. Her reputation for challenging the status quo preceded her, with nearly 30 years of experience in public education, including leadership roles in Virginia’s Montgomery County School District and Missouri’s Jennings School District. Anderson received national recognition for leading both districts to full accreditation.

The high schools in Topeka, historically known for the pivotal role in the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1954 ban on school segregation in Brown v. Board of Education, have seen significant improvements under Anderson’s leadership. Graduation rates at the five high schools now exceed 90%, compared to the 60% to 78% range when she assumed office. Anderson has expanded universal preschool programs and introduced a daycare initiative for 2-year-olds within the district.

In addition to her administrative duties, Anderson remains engaged in teaching. In the upcoming semester, she will teach a grade 7-8 career exploration course twice a week.