During public comments Thomas Greger told the board he was concerned staff clothing that conveys political messages can chill student speech and classroom discussion. Greger urged the board to adopt a clear staff dress code that would prohibit employees from wearing words, symbols, flags or patterns that convey a political message while at school or at official district functions.

Greger said reasonable exceptions could include district or school logo shirts, band shirts or approved spirit apparel and that classrooms should display only curricular banners and the flags of the United States, Kansas, the city of Olathe and the school. He framed the change as consistent with the district’s stated goal of keeping school environments “politically neutral with a focus on student learning,” language he quoted from a district letter referenced in the meeting.

Board members took the comment under advisement; no formal motion or policy action was taken during the meeting. The subject remains a community policy question the board may consider in a future agenda if members wish to pursue a formal update to employee dress or display policies.