USD 437 Olathe Public Schools public meetings in 2024
27 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
USD 437 Board of Education Meeting 6:30 p.m.
The board will vote on approving $684,621 for elementary ELA curriculum materials. Other action items include the 2025-2026 school calendar, 6th grade curriculum proposals, and board subcommittee assignments. Discussion items include a first read of 7th/8th grade curriculum proposals and a request for a Washburn Rural High School jazz band trip to Tulsa. The board will also approve routine consent items including $5,385,108.77 in bills and several personnel changes.
- Approve $684,621 for elementary English Language Arts curriculum materials
- Approve $5,385,108.77 in total bills
- Approve 2025-2026 school calendar
- Final read and approval of 6th grade curriculum proposals
- First read of 7th/8th grade curriculum proposals and WRHS Jazz Band trip to Tulsa
USD 437 Board of Education Meeting 6:30 p.m.
This meeting includes approval of bills ($3,216,881.43), personnel changes, and final reads for new high school courses. The board will discuss the proposed adoption of a K-5 ELA curriculum costing $684,621, to be voted on Dec 16, and review 6th grade course proposals and the 2025-2026 school calendar. Public comment and school highlights are also scheduled.
- Approve payment of bills totaling $3,216,881.43
- Discuss elementary ELA curriculum adoption with $684,621 quote
- Final read to approve Horticulture, Floriculture, and Greenhouse Management standards
- Final read to approve Forensic Science II standards
- Discuss 2025-2026 school calendar draft
USD 437 Board of Education Meeting 6:30 p.m.
The board will consider approving a Guaranteed Maximum Price of $6,517,582 for the Indian Hills Elementary bond construction project, plus alternates totaling over $7.3M. It will also discuss new high school curriculum proposals including Horticulture, Forensic Science II, and Contemporary Math. Other action items include approval of a memorandum of understanding with Midwest Homes, updates to board policy IF, and legislative positions. The meeting includes consent items such as bill payments of $9.2M, personnel changes, and a music department trip to Orlando.
- Approve GMP of $6,517,582 for Indian Hills Elementary bond project (total master budget $7,342,985)
- Approve payment of bills totaling $9,206,674.34
- Accept $10K donation for WRHS Ernie & Mary Mosher Scholarship
- Discuss MOU and Hold Harmless Agreement with Midwest Homes
- First read of new HS curriculum proposals: Horticulture, Forensic Science II, Contemporary Math
USD 437 Board of Education Meeting 6:30 p.m.
The Board of Education is meeting to approve construction funding for Jay Shideler Elementary and payment of bills totaling $1,745,050.20. Members will also discuss a proposed 2026 music department trip to Orlando and updates to textbook and instructional material policies.
- Approval of $3,293,537 Guaranteed Maximum Price for Jay Shideler bond construction project
- Payment of bills in the amount of $1,745,050.20
- First read of proposed WRHS Music department trip to Orlando, Florida in March 2026
- Proposed policy update (IF) regarding textbook and instructional materials challenge processes
- Review of five job descriptions including Dean of Students and Dean of Special Services
437 Board of Education Meeting 6:30 p.m.
The board will consider appointing a new at-large member to fill a vacancy, approve nearly $9.55 million in bills, and act on a slate of classified and certified personnel changes. Discussion items include a draft of the district's 2024-25 legislative positions and a policy update on compensation and work assignments. The meeting also includes executive sessions on personnel, budget, and student matters.
- Board action to fill vacant at-large seat (6.01)
- Approval of bills totaling $9,545,160.48
- New classified hires: Zachary Bowser, Adrian Carlson, Giselle Delgado Gastelum, and 8 others
- Resignations of four classified staff (Ron Barker, Shantel Barnett, Nicole Cox, Sue Hicks) and termination of custodian Jordon Tetuan
- Discussion of draft 2024-25 legislative positions jointly created by Shawnee County school districts
Special USD 437 Board of Education Meeting 6:30 pm
The USD 437 Board of Education is holding a special meeting to interview 11 candidates for an at-large board member vacancy. Candidates will each be interviewed in 15-minute slots. The board will also handle procedural items such as roll call and agenda approval.
- Interviews for Board Member At-Large Vacancy with 11 candidates including Joseph Blackwell, Melissa Briggs, Ty Dragoo, and others
- Candidate interview schedule from 6:30 pm to 9:05 pm with a break at 7:45 pm
- Procedural approval of the agenda and adjournment
USD 437 Board of Education Meeting 6:30 p.m.
The Board of Education will consider approving over $8.5 million in bills and the hiring of 1.5 additional early childhood paraeducators. The board is also deciding on a new logo for Washburn Rural North and scheduling interviews for a vacant At-Large Board seat.
- Payment of bills in the amount of $8,593,069.79
- Hiring of 1.5 FTE additional paraeducators for the early childhood program
- Approval of the Washburn Rural North Logo
- Approval of $154.69 for IB/AP Film Studies films
- Special meeting on October 14, 2024, to interview candidates for the vacant At-Large Board seat
USD 437 Board of Education Meeting 6:30 p.m.
The board will hold a public hearing on the 2024-25 budget and then vote on its approval with a mill levy of 57.327 and a 33% local option budget. Consent items include approving $5,758,295.52 in bills and several personnel changes. Discussion items include a first reading of proposed films for IB/AP Film Studies. The board will also go into executive session for personnel, budget negotiations, and student matters.
- Approve FY 2024-25 budget with mill levy of 57.327 and local option budget at 33%
- Approve payment of bills totaling $5,758,295.52
- Approve classified resignations (8) and retirements (1) and new classified hires (8)
- First read of proposed film list for IB/AP Film Studies course (purchase cost $154.69)
- Executive sessions for personnel, employer-employee negotiations, and student matters
USD 437 Board of Education Meeting 6:30 p.m.
The Board of Education will hold a hearing and roll call vote on the Revenue Neutral Rate. Members are also deciding on the purchase of English Language Arts novels and the publication of a notice for a budget hearing scheduled for September 16, 2024.
- Payment of bills in the amount of $14,321,772.12
- Purchase of ELA novels (Clay Marble, Mango-Shaped Space, and The Hunger Games) for $8,440
- Roll call vote on the Revenue Neutral Rate Resolution
- Approval of publication for the FY 2024-2025 budget hearing notice
- Discussion of Board Policy GAOE regarding Workers Compensation updates
USD 437 Board of Education Meeting 6:30 p.m.
This meeting includes action on the 2024-25 and 2025-26 negotiated agreement covering teacher salaries and terms, as well as salary increases for classified, support, and administrative staff. The board will also consider publishing a revenue neutral rate hearing, approving a building needs assessment, and increasing substitute teacher pay. Discussion items include updates on strategic planning, bond construction, and a first read on adding three novels to ELA curriculum (Clay Marble, Mango-Shaped Space, The Hunger Games) at a cost of $8,440. Consent agenda includes payment of bills totaling $1,050,359.70 and personnel actions.
- Payment of bills in amount of $1,050,359.70
- Proposed addition of three novels to ELA curriculum (Clay Marble, Mango-Shaped Space, The Hunger Games) with $8,440 instructional materials cost
- Vote on 2024-25 & 2025-26 negotiated agreement and salary increases for all staff groups
- Approval of building needs assessment for 2024-2025
- Publication of revenue neutral rate hearing date (September 3, 2024)
USD 437 Board of Education Meeting 6:30 p.m.
The USD 437 Board of Education will approve a consent agenda including $1,066,763.84 in bills and multiple personnel changes. Discussion items include the annual building needs assessment to inform fiscal priorities and a first read on substitute teacher pay rates. Action items include filling a vacant 2B board seat and approving the 24-25 administrator handbook and several board policies. The board will also enter executive session for personnel, budget, student, and real property matters.
- Approval of bills totaling $1,066,763.84
- 10 classified resignations and 1 termination listed
- 22 new classified hires and 2 transfers listed
- Building needs assessment report and discussion for 2024-2025 budget
- First read of substitute teacher rates of pay
Special USD 437 Board of Education Meeting 6:30 pm
The USD 437 Board of Education is holding a special meeting to interview candidates for the Position 2B vacancy on the board. No other substantive items are on the agenda.
- Interviews for Board of Education Position 2B vacancy
USD 437 Board of Education Meeting 6:30 p.m.
The Board of Education will vote on a guaranteed maximum price for the next phase of construction at Washburn Rural Middle School. The meeting also includes personnel approvals, a review of board policy updates, and an interview for a vacant board seat.
- Approval of $6,106,510.00 for the next phase of work at WRMS
- Payment of bills totaling $9,226,162.54
- First read of board policy updates regarding consultants, executive sessions, truancy, and student activities
- Public interview of a candidate for the District B board vacancy
- Presentation of the 2025-2027 Neighborhood Revitalization Plan boundaries by the City of Topeka
USD 437 Board of Education Organizational Meeting 6:30 p.m.
The Board of Education is conducting its annual organizational meeting to elect a President and Vice President. The agenda also includes appointing clerks, treasurers, and legal counsel for the upcoming year. Additionally, the board will establish the 2024-2025 meeting schedule and designate official bank depositories.
- Election of Board President and Vice President
- Appointment of Rachelle Heydt as Clerk and Brett Bauer as Treasurer
- Designation of Silver Lake Bank as primary depository
- Appointment of Leslie M. Miller (Stevens & Brand LLP) as Board Attorney at $225/hour
- Establishment of petty cash funds up to $1,500
USD 437 Board of Education Meeting 6:30 p.m.
The USD 437 Board of Education will vote on year-end budget transfers and additional special education staffing. The meeting includes reviews of student handbooks for Tallgrass Learning Center and elementary schools. The board is also scheduled to approve bill payments totaling over $17 million.
- Bill payments totaling $17,130,225.97
- Final budget transfers
- Tallgrass Student Handbook first read
- Additional Special Education staffing requests
- Elementary Student Handbook 24-25 final read
USD 437 Board of Education Meeting 6:30 p.m.
The Board of Education will discuss insurance premium increases and the hiring of three new special education positions for the 2024-2025 school year. Members will also consider approving $13,424.91 for specialized social studies curriculum resources. Additionally, the board will conduct a first read of the 2024-2025 Elementary Student Handbook.
- Approval of bills totaling $5,771,859.89
- Discussion of property and casualty insurance increases
- Proposal for three new special education staff positions
- Approval of $13,424.91 for social studies curriculum resources
- First read of the 2024-2025 Elementary Student Handbook
USD 437 Board of Education Meeting 6:30 p.m.
The USD 437 Board of Education will conduct a first read of specialized social studies curriculum resources for AP and IB courses. The board is also scheduled to approve $7,357,432.99 in total bills. Other items include reviewing student handbooks and approving personnel changes.
- Approval of $7,357,432.99 in total bills
- First read of social studies curriculum resources costing $13,424.91
- Final read of 2024-25 WRMS Student Handbook
- Disposal of obsolete and surplus equipment
USD 437 Board of Education Meeting 6:30 p.m.
The USD 437 Board of Education will consider consent agenda items including approving $4,033,407.09 in bills, accepting resignations and retirements, hiring new certified and classified staff, and approving meeting dates. They will also discuss first reads of the WRMS student handbook, capital outlay recommendations, and an Early Childhood Head Secretary position, followed by final reads of the classified and WRHS handbooks and an updated KG policy. The meeting includes public comment, reports on bond construction and middle school programming, and executive sessions for personnel, budget, students, and property.
- Approve payment of bills totaling $4,033,407.09
- Approve new certified hires including teachers and a Director of Orchestras
- Approve classified resignations and retirements, including a bus driver retirement
- Discuss 2024-25 capital outlay recommendations for facilities and equipment
- Approve updated KG policy on use of school facilities, grounds, and equipment
USD 437 Board of Education Meeting 6:30 p.m.
The USD 437 Board of Education will vote on naming Middle School 2, approve administrator contracts, and pay bills totaling $12,699,848.66. They will also discuss policy updates, handbooks, and hear reports on early childhood programs and school highlights.
- Approve payment of bills in the amount of $12,699,848.66
- Vote on name for Middle School 2
- Approve administrator contracts for 2024-25
- Discuss policy KG on use of school facilities, grounds, and equipment
- First read of 2024-25 Classified Employee Handbook and WRHS Student Handbook
USD 437 Board of Education Meeting 6:30 p.m.
The USD 437 Board of Education will vote on naming the new middle school (MS2), its mascot, and colors, and will consider several final-read curriculum resource purchases. The board will also approve routine consent items including bills totaling $6,320,040.34 and personnel changes. Executive sessions are scheduled for personnel, budget, and student matters.
- Approve MS2 school name, mascot, and colors
- Approve bills totaling $6,320,040.34
- Approve meal price increase of 50 cents for 2024-25
- Approve instructional resources: $49,420.55 (health), $410,982.53 (social studies), $3,779.73 (plant science), $6,364.80 (composition)
- Approve resignations, retirements, and new hires for certified and classified staff
USD 437 Board of Education Meeting 6:30 p.m.
The USD 437 Board of Education will consider consent agenda items including approving $3,815,600.70 in bills, accepting resignations and retirements, and hiring new staff. They will also vote on increasing classified starting wages by up to 2% for the 2024-25 school year. Discussion items include naming a new middle school, meal prices, and first reads of several curriculum resource purchases.
- Approve bills totaling $3,815,600.70
- Approve classified starting wage increase up to 2% for 2024-25
- Discuss MS2 naming committee recommendation for name, mascot, colors
- First read of $410,982.53 for social studies resources
- First read of $49,420.55 for comprehensive health resources
USD 437 Board of Education Meeting 6:30 p.m.
The USD 437 Board of Education will consider approving a bond resolution for 2024 bonds, pay $10,319,514.93 in bills, and act on personnel changes. They will also discuss a Farley Elementary PTO request to fundraise for an outdoor structure, classified starting wages, and other items.
- Adopt bond resolution for 2024 bonds
- Approve payment of bills totaling $10,319,514.93
- Approve classified and certified personnel changes (resignations, hires, transfers)
- Discuss Farley Elementary PTO request to fundraise for outdoor structure
- Discuss classified starting wages
USD 437 Board of Education Meeting 6:30 p.m.
The USD 437 Board of Education will consider routine consent items including approving $9,105,225.45 in bills, personnel changes, and a policy update. The board will also hold an executive session with law enforcement to discuss safety and security measures, including emergency operations planning.
- Approve payment of bills totaling $9,105,225.45
- Approve classified resignations and new hires (e.g., Lydia Larson, Kwon Wright)
- Approve certified resignations/retirements and new hires (e.g., Jennifer Hayden, Chelsea Switts)
- Approve Board Policy JCAC
- Executive session on safety and security with law enforcement
USD 437 Board of Education Meeting 6:30 p.m.
The USD 437 Board of Education will consider approving the 2023 financial audit, a $1,209,150 guaranteed maximum price for summer 2024 work at Washburn Rural Middle School, and updated board member district boundaries. They will also hear reports on the second bond sale timeline and construction projects, and discuss personnel and student matters in executive session.
- Approve payment of bills totaling $958,905.92
- Approve Guaranteed Maximum Price of $1,209,150 for WRMS Summer 2024 work
- Approve 2023 Financial Audit as presented
- Approve Board Member District Boundaries
- Approve new certified hires including Jessa Case, Julie Keithline, and Samantha Zimmerman
USD 437 Board of Education Meeting 6:30 p.m.
The USD 437 Board of Education will consider routine consent items including $5,081,408.96 in bills, personnel changes, and policy updates. They will also discuss middle school naming, non-resident student capacity, and board district boundaries, and may take action on bereavement leave and 2024-25 course fees.
- Approve payment of bills totaling $5,081,408.96
- Approve classified and certified personnel changes (resignations, retirements, new hires)
- Approve board policies EEBA, GARIA, GARID, JGH
- Discuss Middle School 2 name, mascot, and colors selection
- Approve 2024-25 course fees (Unified Sports $25 fee removed)
Board of Education Meeting 6:30 p.m.
The Olathe Public Schools Board of Education will hold a regular meeting with public comment, consent agenda items, and several action items. Key decisions include approving a proposal to replace roof sections at Pauline Central Primary School, discussing 2024-25 course fees, and considering bereavement leave for classified staff. The board will also enter executive session to discuss personnel, budget, and student matters.
- Approve Proposal 90006 to replace roof sections at Pauline Central Primary School
- Discuss 2024-25 course fees for WRMS and WRHS
- Discuss adding bereavement leave for classified staff
- Approve payment of bills (amount not specified in agenda text)
- Approve multiple board policy updates (GAAG, BAAC, GAACA, KN, JCE, JGEC, JGECA)
USD 437 Board of Education Meeting 6:30 p.m.
The Board of Education will review several items including a request from Mission Township for a new storage structure near Jay Shideler Elementary. Discussion topics include roof replacement options at Pauline Central and an agreement with Shawnee County regarding sewer and road improvements.
- Approval of $8,426,986.18 in total bills
- Mission Township request for a new storage structure near Jay Shideler Elementary
- Pauline Central roof replacement options
- Agreement with Shawnee County regarding sewer connection and road improvements
- Updates to several board policies regarding discrimination and harassment