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Olathe Public Schools

Their Future is Our Future

Olathe Public Schools Their Future is Our Future

Letter from the Superintendent

Olathe Community,
Did you know that October is National Principals Month? We are so fortunate to have the best principals and assistant principals leading our schools. Please take some time to send them an email to thank them for all they do!

In this issue of the Insider, you’ll read more about a fun donation from our community partners, our Careers on Wheels event, the next Community Conversation, election information, our bond update from this month, and the possible impact if your child is chronically absent.

This semester has brought us many opportunities for growth, learning, and connection. However, we recognize that the transition into colder months can sometimes lead to increased absences, whether due to illness or the temptation to enjoy extended breaks. We understand that health and safety are top priorities. If your child is unwell, please keep them at home to recover. However, for any other reasons, I encourage you to ensure that they remain in school as much as possible. If there are specific challenges your family is facing, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child's school. We are here to support you and your child.

Your very proud superintendent,
Dr. Brent Yeager

Celebrating National Principals Month

We are so grateful to have the best leaders in the state of Kansas. Our principals and assistant principals do so much to keep our buildings running smoothly every single day. On social media, the district has been featuring several different leaders. Check out our social media pages to read these principals' stories throughout the rest of the month!

Community Partners Donates New Recess Equipment to All 36 Elementary Schools

Huston Contracting Inc. teamed up with community organizations and Scheels Overland Park to bring brand new recess equipment to all 36 of our elementary schools! While visiting elementary schools during the playground upgrade, Vice President Doug R. Huston noticed that "the recess equipment had been cared for and loved on by a lot of kids." This meant that many of the sports balls were worn out and no longer in top shape.


Wanting to make a difference, Doug partnered with local businesses to provide each school with new basketballs, soccer balls, footballs, and kickballs. The students' excitement at each delivery was undeniable as they received fresh equipment for their outdoor play. Thank you to all our community partners who contributed to making this possible!

Careers on Wheels

At the Fall Careers on Wheels event, our fourth-grade students had the exciting opportunity to explore 30 diverse career options! They engaged with local business partners and students from our 21st Century Academies, learning about the many jobs available within our community. Careers requiring all levels of education were represented, offering students a well-rounded perspective on their future possibilities.

Since its inception in 2017, this event has continued to grow, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of our community partners and older students, who help inspire our younger students by showcasing the wide range of career paths available to them right here in our community!

Join Our Community Conversation on Nov. 19

Olathe families, community members, students and staff are invited to join members of the Board of Education and superintendent for Community Conversations this school year. These informal events are designed to encourage two-way dialogue between the Board of Education and community members about the topics that are top-of-mind in the district. There is no set agenda, but rather, participants will have an opportunity to engage in conversation regarding a variety of topics. Various dates and times have been selected for community members to choose a time that works best for them. Translators will be in attendance at every community conversation. Please indicate on your RSVP form if you will need a translator.

All community conversations will be held in the Board of Education room (14160 S. Black Bob Rd., Olathe). The remaining Community Conversations planned for the 2024-25 school year include:


  • Nov. 19, 2024 – 5-6:30 p.m.

  • Feb. 20, 2025 – 9-10:30 a.m.

  • April 24, 2025 – 5-6:30 p.m.

Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP in advance. If you intend to join the Tuesday, Nov. 19 Community Conversation, please submit an RSVP at this link by Friday, Nov. 15.

Vote – Election Information

As a public institution, Olathe Public Schools encourages all employees and community members to be informed about and participate in the upcoming election and exercise their constitutional right to vote. However, the Olathe Public Schools does not endorse candidates for any office, nor do any employees of the district, while acting as a school district employee, endorse candidates for office on the district's behalf.


To register to vote or check your registration status, please visit https://jocoelection.org. Here are the dates to know regarding voting this election season:

  • Tuesday, Oct. 29 — Mail Ballot Application Deadline

  • Monday, Nov. 4 — In-Person Advance Voting Ends at Noon

  • Tuesday, Nov. 5 — Voting at your designated polling location, 6 a.m.-7 p.m.

Chronic Absenteeism

When students are chronically absent in kindergarten and first grade they are missing out on skills like reading. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% of school days for any reason but a school function — this is equal to about 18 days in Kansas. We are committed to addressing chronic absenteeism in our district head on. Thank you for your support in this endeavor!

2022 Bond Update – Thank You!

With the new Santa Fe Trail Middle School facility complete, the old building demolition has begun and will continue into the new year. Construction continues on both the tennis courts and tracks at several high schools and middle schools across our district, including the Olathe District Activity Center and College Boulevard Activity Center. The middle school auditorium and high school media center projects construction will kick off in the second semester.


Finally, there has been continuous work on the new Career and Technical Education Center and new Operations Center. The concrete footings and foundations are complete, and we continue utility rough-in, interior wall construction, exterior wall construction and roofing in both the existing building and the new addition. For more information, please visit our website.

We are Hiring Substitutes

Want to make a difference in students' lives? Need a flexible schedule? Come join our team as a substitute!


We rely on our substitute teachers and nurses to help our schools achieve a relentless pursuit of excellence. Our substitute teachers provide effective teaching strategies so that student learning continues in the absence of the classroom teacher. You play a vital role in student achievement. For more information, visit our Substitute Services website or email subservices@olatheschools.org.

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Olathe Public Schools
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