Feb. 2, 2024 ~ The Olathe Public Schools Board of Education met Feb. 1 for its regular monthly meeting. Scarborough Elementary School parent and staff member Kari Jurado led the Pledge of Allegiance before the meeting began.
Becky Johann was sworn in as the new board member for District 3, Position 6 to replace Brian Connell who resigned in early January. The appointment was made following an application process and interviews with each candidate earlier this week.
Recognitions
- The Olathe Northwest High School Raven dance team won the 6A state championship.
- Mainstreet Credit Union was thanked for being a community partner by supporting Olathe Public Schools Foundation awards and events and volunteering at school events.
- The Olathe West High School girls’ cross-country team won the 6A state championship and Anjali Hocker-Singh won the individual championship.
- The Olathe North Gymnastics team won the 6A state title. Emmy Keller of Olathe Northwest and Lindsey Rey of Olathe North High School earned state titles in gymnastics.
- Organizers of the district’s Pennies for Shoes campaign were thanked for their efforts which raised $31,612.92 for the Olathe Mayor’s Children’s Fund.
School Spotlight
Scarborough Elementary Principal Mike Burrow proudly told the board about the “home of the Lancers” which opened in 1977 and now has about 300 students. Scarborough provides early childhood programs and educational services for deaf or hard of hearing students. The schoolwide focus at Scarborough is on engaging students in English language arts, math and social emotional wellbeing. An expectation matrix clearly spells out how students can be responsible, respectful and safe throughout the school. The Lancers are proud of their community partnerships which include a bank, parent-teacher organization, Olathe Public Schools Foundation, volunteers and other groups.
District Rebrand Campaign
Executive Director of Communications and Community Relations Becky Grubaugh and Assistant Director of Visual Media Tony Rangel gave an overview of the district’s rebrand campaign to strengthen visual communication, build the district’s brand, foster community engagement, attract and retain top talent, and reflect the district’s strategic plan. A community survey and focus groups are part of the input process, but social media and connecting with students are also key components. The district’s Communications Department is working with Mammoth Creative Co. throughout the process and preliminary designs will be reviewed by district leaders. Rangel estimates final design options would be chosen in May, followed by a new logo that month, and a full brand relaunch in August.
New Operations Service Center / Career and Technical Education Center Project
Executive Director of Facilities and Operations Travis Palangi updated board members on the new Operations Service Center / Career and Technical Education Center which is a full renovation of the Lindenwood Business Center on Rogers Road. The project is part of the Growth and Reinvestment portion of Bond 2022. The existing building will be named the Olathe Innovation Center and house the ACCESS / FOCUS programs as well as several career and technical education programs. A separate building will be constructed as the new Operations Service Center; a courtyard will sit between the two facilities, which will be joined with an enclosed hallway.
In other business, the board:
- Approved a consent agenda including meeting minutes, financial and accounts payable reports, and human resources report; established 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 26 for its end-of-year meeting; and established 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 for a joint meeting with City of Olathe leaders.
- Approved the purchase of bulk road salt and on-call snow removal services. (capital outlay)
- Approved the purchase of Cisco Systems replacement access switches for Millbrooke Elementary School. (capital outlay)
- Approved the purchase of Cisco Systems replacement access switches for Data Center One. (capital outlay)
- Approved the purchase, installation and programming of audio equipment for district middle and high school music, choir and band rooms. (capital outlay)
- Approved a multi-year, co-termed enterprise agreement for Cisco Systems security and flex infrastructure needs. (capital outlay)
- Approved the purchase of gym, commons and auditorium audio/visual equipment and components for the new Santa Fe Trail Middle School. (Bond 2022)
- Accepted the bid alternate for Bid Package 3 regarding the new Operations Service Center / Career and Technical Education Center project. (Bond 2022)
- Accepted a proposal for upcoming aging facilities projects taking place this summer: windows at four schools and doors at three schools. (Bond 2022)
- Updated the Board of Education committee and site council assignments to include new board members Will Babbit and Claire Reagan.
- Received information on more than a dozen future action items including student trips, secondary core literature curriculum resources and materials purchase, e-license renewal for elementary Teacher’s Curriculum Institute, renewal of Xello college and career readiness resource system, e-license renewal for Elementary Inspire Science, replacement furniture for the board room, and replacement library shelving for Indian Creek Elementary School.
- Received the Head Start director’s monthly report.
- Received the monthly Bond 2022 written update.
The complete agenda is available by visiting the BoardDocs website.
