Jan. 19, 2023 ~ Prior to winter break, the district sent a survey out to all families seeking input regarding a potential shift in school start/end times at all levels beginning in the 2023-24 school year as a possible solution to help address transportation issues impacting Olathe Public Schools.

Locally and nationally, school districts are facing a bus driver shortage and Olathe Public Schools is not immune to this challenge. One possible solution for this challenge is to adjust our start/end times at all levels to allow current drivers to complete additional routes in a more timely manner by utilizing what is known as a three-tier bus system.

The survey sought input on family members’ current modes of transportation and involvement in school activities/programs, their level of support in exploring different start/end times, and an opportunity to share questions and concerns. We received more than 6,000 responses to the survey, with more than 63% of responses indicating support for looking at a change to school times and 26% indicating they were neutral.

Based on this data, district administration is currently in the process of forming a committee to further study possible start/end time options to form a recommendation to bring to the Board of Education this spring. A four-day school week is not currently under consideration.  The committee will include both staff members and parent representatives from all levels and feeder patterns.
Read more information regarding transportation services, including the latest three-tiered busing system.