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Olathe Public Schools leaders present 2024–25 year highlights: curriculum changes, attendance work and new facilities
Summary
Superintendent and administrators summarized the district’s instructional, human resources, operations and financial work for the 2024–25 school year, including rollout of a new K–5 ELA curriculum, reductions in chronic absenteeism, Santa Fe Trail Middle School opening, expanded coaching and HR recruitment events.
Olathe Public Schools administrators presented a year‑end review to the Board of Education on accomplishments and changes in instruction, human resources, operations and finance during the 2024–25 school year.
Superintendent Brent Yeager introduced a team of district leaders who highlighted districtwide initiatives: a new K–5 ELA curriculum rollout; a district campaign and multi‑department effort that reduced chronic absenteeism; expanded instructional coaching and a shift in intervention staffing; and the opening of the new Santa Fe Trail Middle School.
Dr. Tim Reeves of Learning Services described a transition of intervention and coaching roles so coaches could provide more focused support to fewer buildings, and said the district began implementation of the Wit & Wisdom K–5 literacy program this year and will continue staff supports into the next one to two years. Reeves also reported the district reached full implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) after a multi‑year rollout that was interrupted by the pandemic.
Human resources leaders reported expanded recruiting activity — more than 34 recruiting events and more than 230 screening interviews — and said vacancies in certified positions had fallen into single digits at both elementary and secondary levels. The district also launched an employee services team to streamline benefits, payroll and retirement support, and implemented PTO for eligible classified staff to replace very limited personal leave.
Operations and finance staff described capital and operational work. The district reported it received the Meritorious Budget Award and the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Association of School Business Officials International; an independent audit yielded an unmodified opinion. The report also highlighted technology upgrades including multifactor authentication rollout and migration to district‑owned dark fiber, standardization of elementary iPad charging, and the opening of the new Santa Fe Trail Middle School with flexible learning spaces and community access features.
Food services and transportation updates noted more than 500,000 breakfasts and over 3 million lunches served this year, and operation of a two‑hour delayed start option on three mornings during cold weather. Communications staff discussed a district rebrand approved last year and a marketing campaign tied to open enrollment.
Board members thanked staff for the reports and highlighted the multiple recognitions and state championships earned by students and staff across the district in athletics, career and technical education competitions, and teacher awards. Administrators said many programs and projects will continue through the summer and into next year.
