Olathe Unified School District 233

The Board meeting included the swearing-in of a board member, recognition of community partnerships with the University of Kansas Health System and the Olathe Hospital, and a report on the Mayor's Children's Fund campaign, 'Pennies for Shoes,' celebrating its fundraising achievements. Additionally, the board recognized outstanding staff, including a Kansas Horizon Award winner and a high school tennis coach, as well as a student for an award-winning video project. The Mission Trail Middle School leadership presented on their focus on student belonging, community engagement through the Father's Club and PTO, and the implementation of the PBIS program.

The board meeting included multiple awards and recognitions for community service and student achievements, such as a retirement recognition for a city manager, an Administrator of the Year award, math competition victories, a History Education Teacher of the Year award, esports championship accolades, and a recognition for participation in a community-wide kindness week. Additionally, a school spotlight presentation was given by Indian Creek Elementary regarding their academic programs, multicultural environment, and student support systems.

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projects, required maintenance, and technology updates, improving school buildings and activity spaces, and replacing outdated primary schools with more efficient, modern facilities.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.