We believe the local board of education must have appropriate levels of authority to lead and manage public education within its district. The local board of education is responsible for balancing the needs and interests of all stakeholders and must have the authority and resources to do so.

Setting high expectations for Olathe students

• We support robust educational programs and services to ensure all students acquire the intellectual, vocational, and interpersonal skills to be college and/or career ready upon graduation.
• We support investing in early childhood and school readiness programs and services to meet the cognitive and social needs of young children.
• We believe schools receiving public funding should meet state accreditation requirements, and accept ALL students on an equal, non-selective basis.

Providing the resources necessary to provide all students the opportunity to succeed

• We support increasing special education funding at both the state and federal level and further support modifications to the formula to provide for a more equitable distribution of funds to support students with special needs.
• We support funding at-risk programs and strategies that support students in poverty and/or those struggling academically.
• We support amending the capital improvement state aid calculation to allow for investments in technology to create high-quality learning environments that support students participating in experiential learning and workforce programs.
• We support efforts to recruit and retain high-quality professionals into the education workforce, including changes to the KPERS III program to help attract new certified and non-certified personnel.

Supporting the well-being of Olathe students

• We support increasing access to mental health and behavioral health services for students and families.
• We strive to ensure the safety and well-being of all students in our schools. We celebrate our community’s diversity and work to create an inclusive environment that treats students equitably, respectfully, and with dignity.
• We believe the emotional and physical safety of our students is critical to their personal growth and academic performance, and that all school professionals interacting with students be held to the highest professional and ethical standards.