Dec. 9, 2024 ~ The Olathe Board of Education met Dec. 5 for its regular meeting. Students from California Trail Middle School led the Pledge of Allegiance prior to the meeting agenda being approved.
Recognitions
- Olathe Public Schools Foundation is a valued community partner, having provided millions of dollars in grants and awards to staff and schools over the years.
- The Olathe Northwest High School girls’ tennis team earned the 6A state championship title.
- The Olathe West High School girls’ cross-country team earned the 6A state title, and Braxton Theel won the boys’ cross-country individual title.
- Tyler Kitson of Fairview and Washington elementary schools was named the Kansas School Psychologist of the Year by the Kansas Association of School Psychologists.
- Math Wings champion teams for the first of three districtwide competitions this year were recognized: Prairie Center Elementary’s fourth grade team, and Clearwater Creek Elementary’s fifth grade team.
Audit Review
Representatives from Allen, Gibbs & Houlik, L.C. shared information from the fiscal year 2024 audit and related findings.
School Spotlight
Mike Wiley, principal of California Trail Middle School, highlighted his school’s athletic and academic accomplishments, including several city sports champs and two national spelling bee champions. He pointed out the various ways California Trail Bulldogs make connections, both within their school and out in the community. CT Serves Day is one way the school shows its support for the community as a whole. Parents are also well-connected to the school, helping with things ranging from fundraisers to the Father’s Club.
Cell Phone Policy Implementation
Pleasant Ridge Elementary Principal Laura Dondzila, California Trail Middle School Assistant Principal Brian Kindle, and Olathe Northwest High School Principal Chris Zuck provided updates on implementation of the district’s new cell phone policy at their respective levels.
Dondzila reported that while cell phones were not a notable issue before the policy, their issues with smartwatches were nearly eliminated after students either turned them to "Do Not Disturb" mode or kept them in lockers, which reduced distractions. Kindle noted improved face-to-face interactions, fewer distractions, and a rise in student engagement at lunch, thanks to a no-tech policy. Zuck said allowing phones in hallways and at lunch at the high school level only helps students develop focus and balance screen use, a valuable skill for adulthood. All principals agreed the current policy is effective, with strong community support.
In other business, the board:
- Approved a consent agenda including meeting minutes, financial and accounts payable reports, and human resources report; two student trips; texts and online instructional materials for chemistry courses; and a replacement title for fourth grade literacy.
- Approved the purchase of network infrastructure equipment for the new Olathe Innovation Campus. (Bond 2022)
- Approved the purchase of replacement band uniforms for Olathe North High School. (capital outlay)
- Approved renewal of the employee management system modules with Frontline Education. (capital outlay)
- Approved annual contracts for on-call carpet installation. (capital outlay)
- Approved additional construction management services as part of the Olathe Innovation Campus project. (Bond 2022)
- Approved the civil engineering proposal for the upcoming parking lot expansion at Indian Creek Elementary School. (Bond 2022)
- Accepted the quote for subscription and licensing support for the district athletic complex lightning and weather detection system. (Bond 2022)
- Approved the audit reports for the fiscal year ended June 30. (general fund)
- Approved updated board policies (Food Services Management – EE, Basic Program – IDA, Master Schedules – IDB, Grades and Credit – IDD, High School Credit options – IDDB, and High School Graduation and Graduation Audits – IDDD).
- Received information on future action items including resolution establishing regular meeting dates, multiple pathway competencies, multiple curriculum revisions, student trips, Business PLUS financial and human resources management software renewal, furniture for California Trail Middle School administrative offices, renewal of the district’s virtual server machine software licensing, window security film, and upgrading safety and security systems at all remaining support and school buildings.
- Received the Head Start director’s monthly written report.
- Received a written report on parent-teacher conference participation for fall 2024.
- Received the monthly Learning Services Department written report.
- Received the monthly Bond 2022 written report.
- Held an executive session to discuss a student.
- Held an executive session to discuss non-elected personnel.
The complete agenda is available on the BoardDocs website.
