Olathe Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brent Yeager has been named the 2027 Kansas Superintendent of the Year by the Kansas School Superintendents’ Association. The award was announced Monday, marking the sixth year of Yeager’s tenure leading the district.
Recognition amid challenges
Yeager received the honor while the district confronts several significant issues: a recent school‑board vote to close six schools, a federal investigation into the district’s policies for transgender students, and a potential lawsuit over special‑education funding. The association cited his advocacy for sustainable financing, community trust, and the formation of the Kansas Public School Funding Coalition as key reasons for the award.
Career highlights
Yeager began his Olathe career after serving as principal of Fairview Elementary (2006‑2010) and earning a doctorate in district leadership from Baker University. He rose through district ranks, becoming assistant superintendent of learning services before being appointed superintendent in 2021, succeeding John Allison.
Under his leadership, Olathe serves roughly 28,000 students and employs more than 4,000 staff members, making it one of the state’s largest districts. He has emphasized that the work is “never about awards or recognition; it is about the students who walk through our doors every morning and the people who show up for them.”
Community response
Gera Netcher, a parent and co‑founder of Olathe Families United, congratulated Dr. Yeager while urging greater transparency and collaboration on the school‑closure decisions. Board member Claire Reagan praised Yeager’s ability to make “hard decisions” and maintain a positive district culture during a challenging period.
Looking ahead
Yeager will be honored at the 2027 Kansas Superintendent of the Year Gala in Wichita on Nov. 5 and will represent Kansas for the 2027 National Superintendent of the Year award. The district also projects enrollment to fall below 26,000 over the next 15 years, prompting ongoing strategic planning.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
