Learn about the Retired Employees Association

  • Members of the Olathe Public Schools Retired Employees Association executive board say, "We're excited about this organization because it provides the opportunity to keep in touch with former colleagues, to make new friends through social activities, and to continue to serve the students of this district and the community of Olathe." OPS/REA participants include classified and certified members who were teachers, paraeducators, administrators, secretaries, and held many other positions in the Olathe Public Schools before retiring. They come from our high schools, middle schools, elementary schools and support buildings.

    The Olathe Public Schools Retired Employees Association has a private group on Facebook. Anyone who retires from the district is welcome to join us.

    Our Mission

    Retired Employees Association logo To enrich life by providing resources for our members and the educational community. 

    Our Vision Statement

    To support, share information and socialize with the Olathe Public Schools and retired employees.

    Officers, Committee Contacts

    REA 2024-25 officers:

    • President — Kathy Meyer
    • President-elect — Cindy Galemore
    • Past president — Denise Kieffaber
    • Secretary — Diana Stevens
    • Treasurer — Denise Kieffaber
    • Members-at-large — Kirsten Dannen, Garrett Epp, Debbie Freeley-Hall, Joan Randall, Cathy Swanson
    • Member emeritus — Mary Cochran

    REA Committees:

    • Cares and Concern — Chair Wendy Scholten
      • Reach out to members during times of crisis and times of celebration
    • Community Organizations — Chair Tom Kearney
    • District Liaison — Heather Schoonover; Community Development administrative assistant Amanda York
    • Fundraising — Chairs Linda Albee, Diane Gossage, Marsha Stoker
      • Develop plans for raising funds for the organization and for scholarships on behalf of ODS-REA
    • Legislation / KARSP — Chairs Ernie Claudel, Garrett Epp
      • Keep members informed about legislative and state retirement issues that impact retired school district employees and collaborate with school district administrators to keep members informed about benefits available to retirees
    • Media / Facebook / Website — Chair Vicki Kohl
    • Membership — Chair Connie Viebrock
      • Organize annual membership drives
    • Olathe Public Schools Foundation — Chair Cathy McDonald
    • Refreshments — Chair Christina Robson
      • Plan programs and activities of interest to retirees
    • Scholarships — Co-Chairs Stephanie Royer and David Brewer
      • Get information to school counselors and Future Teacher Organizations about the REA scholarship; help judge applications and choose the winner from each school
    • Social Planning — Co-Chairs Brenda Bradley, Jayne Jones, Vicki Kohl
    • Trips / Outings — 
    • Volunteers — Chair Jim Super
      • Notify members of ways they can volunteer in schools and community; collect and report volunteer hours to appropriate agencies