Clint Albers

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.

The meeting included recognitions and awards, such as the Retired Employee Association's 25th Anniversary and National Merit Semifinalists. A school spotlight featured Olathe East High School. The agenda included discussions on on-call asphalt and concrete repair services contract extension, annual licensing renewal for Follet Destiny Software, Microsoft Surface Pro Cases and Keyboards, Olathe Public Schools Innovation Campus (OPSIC) Network Switches & Equipment, purchase of snow removal equipment, and 2022 Bond Furniture Replacement. A resolution was approved for a bond election, along with a boundary recommendation for Westview Elementary. The appointment of Head Start Policy Council members was also addressed. Topics for discussion included congratulations to board members, the district's new website, the importance of local elections, and the participation of KS School of the Deaf students in the Culinary Arts program.

The Professional Council meeting included annual review items related to the Negotiated Agreement, such as updating District-Wide Program Assignments and Reduction in Force Assignment Areas. Discussions also covered the Retirement Insurance Benefit Plan, VERP, and Assignment Area Review. The committee reviewed its members and discussed benefits, including prescription usage, EAP utilization, and permanent life insurance. Bids for medical/prescription insurance were mentioned to begin in 2027, along with bids for an on-site health clinic, with a goal to open in June 2026. The Appraisal committee debriefed on pilot schools' progress and planned a feedback survey. Bylaws and expectations were reviewed, and language cleanup suggestions were made, focusing on updating "Professional Development" to "Professional Learning."