09/08/2026
Olathe Public School Community,
The members of the Board of Education recognize that the Thursday evening recommendation for school closures touches many of you. You may be currently affiliated with one of the schools, have family or friends who are, or perhaps you attended one of the schools on the list. We empathize with the emotions you are experiencing.
The announcement has generated a great number of thoughts and questions. To gather those, a feedback form has been linked on the Boundaries and School Closures page of the district website. Please utilize that tool to submit your thoughts and questions.
Having submitted feedback in one location allows all BOE members and district leadership to review your thoughts and questions. If you have not yet done so, we also encourage you to review the information and data that has been shared over the last many months included on that page. You will also find responses to FAQs already received.
The BOE is earnest in our discernment of the decision we have been asked to make in October. Although we have been actively engaged in the discussion for months, we continue to ask questions and have conversations so that the decision we make aligns with our purpose, to provide the best education and opportunities for all students who attend Olathe public schools. Consideration to close schools is especially challenging for those of us who grew up, lived, or worked in the district during the years when change was related to enrollment growth rather than decline. Even then, students and families were sometimes asked to change schools. New communities were created and the result is what we now experience as Olathe Public Schools. Change can be difficult, but with support, it can also expand experiences and build resilience.
My appreciation goes out to those community and staff members who participated in the steering committee and task force. Thank you for your time and input.
