SchoolsSaturday, November 14
Olathe parents deliver a school closure petition to Topeka as the board moves on 7 buildings
The Daily Olathe team
If you've followed the Olathe school closures, it was a big two days. The board voted 5-0 Thursday night to dispose of seven buildings once students move out. Parents delivered their petition Friday in Topeka. Before they left Black Bob Elementary, they wrote “Row to Topeka” on a car window.
Parents turned in more signatures than the petition needed
Sources: Olathe Reporter, KCTV
View as table
| Value | |
|---|---|
| Needed to qualify | 6,115 |
| Turned in (7,800+) | 7,800 |
| Backstop goal | 8,200 |
The state board has 45 days to review once it receives the petition, and the signatures must be verified first. A verified petition could force the Olathe board to hold a hearing and revote, but not undo the decision.
- Buildings: Black Bob, Fairview, Indian Trail, Ridgeview, Scarborough, Tomahawk, Walnut Grove
- Not on the list: Heritage Elementary, kept for “long-term flexibility”
- State board review: advisory only; district could ignore findings
“We are still seeking answers and clarification that we haven't gotten, and we're hoping that the state board can help us get those as well.”
The closure fight moved from a vote to a petition in six weeks
- Oct. 1Olathe school board votes to close six schools.
- Nov. 12Board votes 5-0 on its intent to dispose of seven buildings.
- Nov. 13Parents deliver the petition to the state in Topeka.
Sources: KSHB 41 Kansas City, KCTV
Sources: KSHB 41 Kansas City, KCTV, Olathe Reporter