Civil and Municipal - Jan 2024

REIMAGINE A BETTER LEARNING EXPERIENCE CLASSROOM + COMMONS STUDENT HUB LEARNINGCOMMONS ACTIVE LEARNINGCLASSROOMS Proud to be an Olathe Schools Partner! scottrice.com | 913.888.7600 vincenth@scottrice.com SCOTT RICE E D U C A T I O N S O L U T I O N S advancements in infrastructure, bolstered by substantial community backing. “In the spring of 2022, our voters approved the largest bond in our district’s history, just shy of $300 million,” he states. This investment is directed towards significant projects, including constructing a newmiddle school, which replaces one of the district’s oldest. This new school, serving some of the most at-risk students, symbolizes a physical and educational renewal. In addition to the new middle school, Dr. Yeager outlines the district’s innovative approach to vocational education. “We’re retrofitting an 85,000 square-foot building for our new Career and Technical Education (CTE) center,” he explains. This center will coexist with a new operations service center, providing a unique synergy where students can engage in apprenticeship-like activities with professionals in various trades. This visionary project reflects Olathe’s dedication to practical, hands-on learning experiences, preparing students for diverse career paths. Addressing charter schools, Dr. Yeager and Reves present a united front. They emphasize that while Olathe has no charter schools within its boundaries, the district maintains healthy relationships with local parochial schools.“All kids deserve a good school,”Dr. Yeager asserts, underscoring the district’s inclusive ethos. Reeves adds, “Our community supports our system, and there’s just not a demand for charter schools.” This lack of demand for alternatives to public education in Olathe speaks volumes about the quality and satisfaction within the district. ADDRESSING CHALLENGES AND ENHANCING SAFETY While navigating its ambitious educational journey, the Olathe School District encounters and addresses various operational challenges, focusing on student safety and well-being. The school district’s approach to these challenges demonstrates a blend of innovation, practical problem-solving, and unwavering commitment to its core values. Dr. Yeager outlines the district’s response to the prevalent issue of bus driver shortages, a challenge echoing across various industries.“We’re experiencing the labor market challenges like most industries,” needs of each student. Olathe’s demographic landscape has shifted significantly over the last decade. Approximately 31% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, a figure that continues to rise and represents the highest in the district’s history. Additionally, 20% of the student body primarily speaks a language other than English. These changes have not altered the district’s commitment to high standards and inclusive education. As Dr. Yeager observes, “Even though our demographics have changed, our intention to support all learners has not.” INFRASTRUCTURE AND INNOVATION Infrastructure and modern facilities play a crucial role as the Olathe School District navigates through its ambitious educational goals. This approach reflects the district’s dedication to providing state-of-the- art learning environments and the community’s unwavering support for academic progress. Dr. Yeager highlights the district’s recent 278 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 01