Message from the Superintendent
Olathe families,
This issue of the Insider is packed with information so I will keep it brief.
We are so excited to be named #12 on Forbes list of Best Mid-Size Employers in the nation! This is a huge honor and it is only possible because of our wonderful students, staff, families and community. You will also find more information regarding our annual family survey and an update to the bell time study conversation that we have been having over the last few months to address the transportation issues.
This issue also features our Black Student Unions as we reflect on Black History Month that just ended a few days ago as well as the 2023 Olathe Public Schools Spelling Bee Champion. Manu Sripathi will represent us at the National Spelling Bee in May. Congratulations and best of luck, Manu!
So many great things are happening in Olathe Public Schools every single day. Thank you for your continued support of our school district.
Sincerely,
Dr. Brent Yeager
Forbes Names OPS #12 Mid-Size Employer in America
As you may know, Forbes Magazine listed Olathe Public Schools as the 12th best mid-size employer in the nation. Our district is the only K-12 system in the top 60. Click here to read the list.
"We are extremely proud to be among the top mid-size employers nationwide,” Superintendent Dr. Brent Yeager said. “This type of honor is only possible because of the community that our community has built together. With the common goal of preparing our students for their future, we have been able to create an environment that people want to be a part of. It takes all of us working together and I am so thankful for your commitment to doing what’s best for our students. On behalf of Olathe Public Schools, thank you for your dedication to this district and your continued support of our staff members and students."
If you would like to join the Olathe Public Schools team in an educator or team position, please visit our job postings today.
Bell Time Study Continues
Over the past several months, the district has embarked on an important process to study a change to school start/end times for the 2023-24 school year to help alleviate significant transportation challenges facing Olathe Public Schools.
At the March 2 Board of Education meeting, district administration provided an update on the progress of the bell schedule study, including current challenges, an overview of student, staff, parent and Bell Schedule Committee feedback, and a presentation of three new bell schedule options for the Board’s consideration.
To view the full presentation, watch this video mark on the district’s YouTube channel OR visit the district’s comprehensive website.
Moving forward, district staff will continue to analyze and evaluate the schedule options presented, as well as feedback received, and will return at the April 6 Board of Education meeting to provide a final recommended schedule for the Board to approve. The Board may take action at the April 6 Board meeting. If the Board votes to approve an updated bell schedule, ONEA (the district’s bargaining unit) would need to ratify any changes to the bell schedule as part of the negotiated agreement.
To learn more about the district’s transportation challenges, the process for studying bell schedules, frequently asked questions, or to provide feedback, please visit the district website here: www.olatheschools.org/bellstudy.
Save the Date - Budget Academy
Olathe Public Schools will be hosting three Budget Academy events on April 4, 11, and 25 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Board of Education room at the Education Center (14160 S. Black Bob Rd., Olathe). These sessions will be an opportunity for district patrons to learn how school finance and budgeting at the school district level works. Click here to register for this event.
