The Olathe Public Schools Board of Education voted 5-0 on July 10 to approve action items 6.01 through 6.16, a package of bids, contracts and agreements that included purchases for the new Olathe Innovation Campus and related construction change orders.

District staff described multiple related requests: item 6.06 covered purchase of furniture, fixtures and equipment for the innovation campus (appliances, student and staff furnishings, exterior seating and storage); item 6.07 covered program-specific equipment such as culinary kitchen supplies; item 6.09 was a change order related to perimeter drainage omitted from the Santa Fe Trail project; and item 6.12 proposed additional construction-management services tied to an approximately three-month delay on the innovation campus project.

"The purchase of our furniture, fixture, and equipment for our new Olathe Public Schools innovation campus... includes appliances, student furniture, staff furniture, furniture, specialized equipment," the district's project representative said. The general-conditions and general-requirements cost increases for the innovation campus were explained as staffing and indirect construction management costs resulting from the delay.

Staff also described a planned esports arena at the innovation campus. District staff said the arena design includes 20 gaming stations (10 for practice and 10 configured for spectator and broadcast viewing), flexibility for other events (such as TED-style talks and professional development) and incorporation of broadcasting/commentary capability. The district framed esports as an avenue to engage students who do not typically participate in other extracurriculars and noted that some colleges offer scholarships for varsity esports.

Board member Doctor Yerkovich noted the 2022 bond sale had produced favorable proceeds and interest earnings that helped stretch bond dollars to cover expanded scope items such as the esports arena and additional furniture purchases.

Motion to approve items 6.01-6.16 was made by board member (recorded as motion by "Mister Kyun") and seconded by Miss Reagan; the motion passed 5-0. Staff will proceed with the purchases and contract amendments as approved and will incorporate the change-order work into project schedules.

Why it matters: the approvals authorize significant facility and equipment purchases for a major district capital project and add an esports arena intended to broaden student engagement and potential postsecondary opportunities. The board approved funding and contract amendments as part of the ongoing bond program.