June 10, 2024 ~ The Olathe Public Schools Board of Education met June 6 for its regular monthly meeting.

Recognitions 

• Mahi Kohli of Olathe North High School was one of four Grand Award winners at the Greater Kansas City Science and Engineering Fair.
• Anshika Kapoor of Olathe North received the MRIGlobal Excellence in Science Award at the Greater Kansas City Science and Engineering Fair.
• Kayden Freemon, also of Olathe North, performed lifesaving actions to help a toddler who needed CPR in a roadside emergency. 
• The Olathe North Science Bowl team won back-to-back regional championships and qualified for nationals.
• Madison Troup, a recent Olathe East High School graduate, earned first place in dramatic interpretation and program oral interpretation, and third in duo interpretation at the state 6A speech and drama championships. 

Update on Rebranding Campaign 

Executive Director of Communications and Community Relations Becky Grubaugh updated board members on the district’s rebranding campaign, including research findings and design concepts. The rebranding initiative’s goal was to update the district’s visual identity to better reflect its values, goals, and the community it serves. The project involved extensive collaboration with stakeholders to gather many perspectives and ideas. Local creative consultant Mammoth Creative Co. Took the lead in incorporating the input into the final design, which is anticipated to strengthen visual communication, build the district brand, foster community engagement, reflect the strategic plan, and attract and retain top talent. The board voted to approve the new logo and rebrand concept. 

In other business, the board: 

• Held an executive session to discuss non-elected personnel.
• Approved a consent agenda including meeting minutes, financial and accounts payable reports, human resources report, seven student trips, Civic Leadership competencies update, high school programming and software development competencies update, middle school computer competencies update, financial literacy curriculum competencies update, and revision to the Code of Student Conduct.
• Approved the financial audit service contract for the period ending June 30. (general fund)
• Approved purchasing Charge Mommy Books, decodable books to help with phonic skills in first grade. (instructional materials budget)
• Approved purchasing Half-Pint Kids decodable books to help with phonic skills in kindergarten. (instructional materials budget)
• Approved purchasing digital presentation licenses for the 95 Percent Group core phonics program for grades 1-3. (capital outlay)
• Approved purchasing workbooks and replacement materials for the 95 Percent Group phonics program for grades 1-3. (instructional materials budget)
• Approved the curricular standards for the high school communications / public speaking course.
• Approved renewing the News2You instructional resources for special education students across the district. (special education funding)
• Approved renewing the Nearpod instructional platform software license.(capital outlay)
• Approved renewing the SeeSaw learning management system for elementary schools. (capital outlay)
• Approved renewing the Fastbridge assessment program. (capital outlay)
• Approved renewing the ABC-CLIO library subscription database. (capital outlay)
• Approved an annual contract for on-call snow removal services. (capital outlay)
• Approved an annual contract for bulk rock salt for use on driveways and parking lots during inclement weather. (capital outlay)
• Approved renewing the work order ticketing system. (capital outlay)
• Approved licensing and support renewal for the Finalsite communications software. (capital outlay)
• Approved purchasing upgraded audio systems for the Olathe East High School gyms. (capital outlay)
• Approved the annual software licensing agreement for Mosyle mobile device management system for the Apple products. (capital outlay)
• Approved renewing the Food Services business management software. (capital outlay)
• Approved purchasing industrial technology equipment for the new Santa Fe Trail Middle School. (Bond 2022)
• Approved a variety of on-call services for fiscal year 2025. (capital outlay and other funds)
• Approved purchasing electrical and plumbing supplies and materials for maintenance, repair and operations for the coming school year. (capital outlay)
• Approved change orders exceeding $20,000 relating to additional graphics for the interior of the new Santa Fe Trail Middle School. (Bond 2022)
• Approved purchasing tennis court repair services for College Boulevard Activity Center and Olathe Northwest High School. (Bond 2022)
• Approved bids for the summer 2024 HVAC upgrade project. (Bond 2022)
• Approved a temporary construction easement to the City of Olathe at Heritage Elementary School.
• Approved renewing the Frontline Education employee management system. (capital outlay)
• Accepted the premiums on various insurance policies. (general fund and special liability fund)
• Approved renewing the Securly electronic hall pass system in secondary schools. (capital outlay)
• Approved change orders exceeding $20,000 for the new Operations Service Center and Career and Technical Education Center. (Bond 2022)
• Adopted updates to district policies GAOE and GCOE regarding workers compensation.
• Received information on future action items including curriculum and standards updates, instructional materials and various resources for some high school courses, pest control services contract, network monitoring software, enterprise monitoring software, renovations to the Olathe District Activity Complex long jump pit, policy regarding student use of personal electronic devices in school, update to the board policy on homeless students, and establishing regular meeting dates, times and locations for the 2024-25 school year.
• Received the Head Start director’s monthly report.
• Received the monthly Bond 2022 written update.
• Held an executive session to discuss non-elected personnel. 

The complete agenda is available on the BoardDocs website.

June 2024 Board Recognitions