Olathe, Kan. – Parents and community volunteers with Olathe Families United are on the cusp of a petition milestone that could bring the Kansas State Board of Education into the debate over the Olathe school district’s plan to close six schools at the end of the academic year. The group, formed after the district announced the closures, has already collected more than the 6,100 signatures originally set as its goal and has raised the target to 8,200 to ensure a solid showing.
Why the petition matters
Under Kansas law, a petition signed by a sufficient number of residents in the affected attendance area can trigger a state‑level review of a school district’s actions. While the board’s review would be advisory only, the district would be expected to consider the state’s recommendations before finalizing any boundary changes, transportation plans, or class‑size adjustments.
“A lot of the data just doesn’t make sense,” said Gera Netcher, co‑founder of Olathe Families United. “We’ve heard talk of declining enrollment and low birth rates, but some of the schools on the list just don’t add up for us. We want a second pair of eyes to verify the numbers.”
Community response and next steps
Supporters say the petition gives families a direct voice in decisions that affect daily life—ranging from bus routes to classroom sizes. The group plans to keep the momentum going by attending the district’s upcoming community meetings, where officials will discuss alternative boundary options.
“I’m really proud of our volunteers and the community for backing us up,” Netcher added. “We’ll stay involved through the entire process, right up to the end of the year and possibly into next year. Olathe Families United is not going anywhere.”
How to sign
Residents of the Olathe attendance area who wish to add their name can find the petition at the Indian Creek Library on Thursday, November 5, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The group has set a hard deadline of November 13 to submit the completed petition to the Kansas State Board of Education.
The district has indicated that, regardless of the state board’s advisory opinion, it retains final authority over the closures. Nonetheless, the petition reflects a growing desire among Olathe families for greater transparency and community input in educational planning.
Original reporting: KSHB 41 Kansas City (local) — read the source article.
