Topeka, Kansas – Home-delivered birthday presents and cake aren't usually part of the school curriculum, but Topeka Public Schools Superintendent Tiffany Anderson rarely sticks to a lesson plan when there's a child who needs
“If we don't, who will?” Anderson asks.
The neighborhood in the center of the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education, which banned racial segregation in schools, is now led by its first black female superintendent. Friday marks the 70th anniversary of that historic Supreme Court decision.
“I think, 70 years later, I live with the privilege of helping make their hopes and dreams come true,” Anderson said of those who fought to overturn the “separate but equal” policy in schools. “I'm standing on his shoulders. If it weren't for the plaintiffs in the Brown case.”
The district's high school graduation rates have soared from 70 percent to 91 percent during Anderson's eight-year tenure. He also established morale-boosting programs, such as graduation ceremonies for students at a nearby state correctional facility.
It has also revolutionized post-secondary opportunities for its students. Through a partnership with a local health center, students can take classes and become certified in things like phlebotomy, and are even guaranteed jobs after graduation.
In a district where 46 percent of students qualify for subsidized lunch, Anderson put washers and dryers in schools and opened food and clothing pantries.
“It's not really hard to get people on board when they know you care and they know they can be a part of something pretty incredible and transformative,” Anderson told CBS News.
Anderson speculates that fear may be the reason these changes aren't happening on a larger scale in the U.S.
“Fear can make you choose not to accept other people, fear can shut down systems like nothing else,” Anderson said.
Now, the historic neighborhood is transforming again, this time opening its doors to refugees and migrants.
“Just because someone doesn't speak English doesn't mean they're any less valuable to a community,” said Pilar Mejía, director of cultural innovation for Topeka Public Schools.
Students from more than 40 countries have enrolled in the district.
“It would be tragic,” Mejía said of where some of those families would be without their help. “They could end up not being able to come or staying in dire situations in their countries.”
Anderson says there is a line from 1954 to the present day of families who came to the United States in search of what their parents fought for 70 years ago.
“The connection is that they're all looking for a better, brighter future,” Anderson said. “They're all hoping for something better for their lives. We're dealing with families who want more for their children.”
Janet Shamlian
