Barb Behm

This document outlines the 2026 bond initiative, a no-tax-rate bond designed to address infrastructure needs and operational efficiency within Olate Public Schools. The plan focuses on three pillars: 'investing in what works,' 'building on excellence,' and 'strengthening the community.' Key initiatives include financing security projects, required maintenance, and technology updates, improving school buildings and activity spaces, and replacing outdated primary schools with more efficient, modern facilities. The bond aims to maintain facilities, enhance student experiences in academic and extracurricular areas, and support community engagement without increasing the current bond tax rate.

The board meeting included a presentation from the Public Schools Foundation highlighting its support for student programs, mental health initiatives, and classroom grants. Other recognitions included students honored for their performance in the Math Wings competition, the Northwest high school girls tennis team for their state championship title, and an administrator recognized for contributions to health and physical education. Additionally, the Cedar Creek Elementary School was featured in a school spotlight presentation created by students, showcasing school history, academic achievements, club activities, and the school's PBIS star card program.

The meeting focused on a detailed review of Paid Time Off (PTO) usage by PTO-eligible certified employees, comparing data from the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 first semesters, alongside reviews of Family Medical Leave and Black Out day usage during the same periods. Discussions included clarifying the difference between PTO-eligible staff and the bargaining unit, and the purpose of blackout days regarding substitute coverage. Annual review items were addressed, noting that Leave Committee, Bylaws & Association Activities, District-Wide Program Assignments, and Assignment Area Review items were complete, with the Retirement Insurance Benefit Plan & VERP scheduled for March. Committee updates covered the Appraisal pilot goals, ongoing review of medical insurance bids, and detailed plans for the Conferences committee to review conference models over the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years. The Calendar committee presented drafts for the 2026-27 professional learning calendar. The Language Clean-Up & Review session addressed discrepancies in entity naming within policy documents, acknowledging that full resolution might be deferred until after negotiation season.

This document details the graduation requirements for the Class of 2028 and beyond at Olathe Northwest High School. It provides an overview of the Academy of Digital Communication, which offers six distinct pathways: Animation, Convergent Journalism, Entertainment Video, Graphic Design, Sports Information, and Web Design. The academy aims to foster creativity and technology skills, enabling students to produce inspiring, informing, and entertaining media, while building portfolios, working in teams, and discovering their creative voice.

The meeting addressed several annual review items, including the District-Wide Program Assignments list, which is crucial for staffing adjustments based on enrollment, and the Assignment Area Review. Key committee discussions involved finalizing the committee list, updating changes from the previous review, and reviewing benefits usage, noting that prescriptions are the largest cost increase. Updates on the Health Clinic indicated weekly meetings are occurring, with a projected July 2026 opening. In benefits, the process for bidding 2027 health insurance is commencing, and communication regarding the district's absorbed premium costs will be distributed. The Appraisal committee is meeting monthly for pilot feedback. The Conferences committee reviewed 2024-2025 data, noting collection variances, and plans a deeper review in the 25-26 academic year, potentially proposing changes for the 2027-2028 academic year. The EC/AS committee is finalizing changes to the input form for schedule proposals. The Calendar committee will begin meeting in January to address scheduling flexibility, especially concerning Memorial Day timing. Regarding language clean-up, minor changes are proposed, such as updating "professional development" to "professional learning," and locating a missing reimbursement form. Upcoming key dates include a 3rd Quarter meeting on January 15, 2026, and a series of negotiation meetings scheduled through April 2026.