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Olathe highlights Step Up adult‑diploma program that graduates about 60 students a year
Summary
District staff described Step Up, Olathe Public Schools’ adult diploma program: who it serves, how it operates, outcomes and how the program is funded.
The Olathe Board of Education heard a presentation on Step Up, the district’s adult‑diploma program, which helps Kansas residents age 18 and older complete remaining credits and receive a high school diploma as soon as they finish their last class.
Russ Munyan, who introduced the spotlight, told the board Step Up serves adults who previously left high school and that the program typically graduates “about 60 students a year.” He said students earn credits through pre‑recorded online classes through the Edgenuity program and that staff review each student’s prior transcript to determine remaining requirements.
The presentation named several outcomes for Step Up graduates. Munyan said students use the diploma to pursue postsecondary education and training; the transcript noted examples including Johnson County Community College and transfer to the University of Kansas. A Step Up graduate who addressed the board identified himself as Zhong Hoon (who goes by Tom) and described his path: enrolling in Step Up after arriving from Vietnam, completing 4¼ credits to graduate in 2019, then earning an associate degree, transferring to KU and gaining U.S. citizenship while planning further graduate study.
Staff described program eligibility and funding. Enrollment requires a Kansas residency, age 18 or older and that the student’s high‑school cohort already graduated. The presenter said the program receives funding from the Kansas State Department of Education and that, per the presentation, it is “not only self supporting, but it also generates surplus revenue to help support other important Olathe Schools programs.”
The board was invited to Step Up’s annual commencement; staff said the district issues a transcript with the graduation date recorded as the last day the student completed work so graduates can immediately use the credential.
No formal board action was taken on the presentation; it was delivered as an information item.
