In a recent Board of Education meeting held on June 6, 2025, community concerns took center stage as Brooke Shugart, a resident of West Hills, voiced her apprehensions regarding a proposed fuel station at the corner of Sixth and Fairlawn. With two children approaching middle school age, Shugart's letter highlighted the potential dangers this development could pose to Landon Middle School, particularly in terms of increased traffic and safety risks for students.

Shugart expressed her worries about the already uncontrolled traffic in the school zone, noting that police frequently monitor the area to manage speeding and unsafe driving. The addition of a fuel station, she argued, would exacerbate these issues, drawing in more vehicles and visitors unfamiliar with the area, thereby increasing the risk of accidents during school hours and after-school programs, such as track and cross country practices.

Moreover, Shugart raised alarming concerns about the potential for child trafficking and kidnapping, emphasizing that the fuel station could provide easy access to children and nearby highways. She urged the board members to consider the safety of families in the area and to communicate these concerns to the city council ahead of their vote on June 17, 2025.

In her plea, Shugart requested that her email be read during the public comment section of the meeting, as she was unable to attend in person. She encouraged other community members to reach out to the council, believing that a collective voice could influence the decision-making process.

Following Shugart's poignant address, the meeting transitioned to routine business, where the board approved several items by consent without further discussion. Superintendent Dr. Anderson then took the floor to present his report, signaling a shift back to administrative matters after the impactful community engagement.

As the board continues to navigate these pressing issues, the voices of concerned parents like Shugart remind them of the critical intersection between community development and student safety. The upcoming city council vote will be a pivotal moment for the families of Landon Middle School and the broader Topeka community.