Olathe parents, teachers and students voice concerns with district over school closures

Parents, teachers and students in Olathe, Kansas, pressed the school district over proposed closures during a special meeting Tuesday night at Olathe South High School. Six schools—Indian Trail Middle, Black Bob, Scarborough, Heritage, Tomahawk and Walnut Grove Elementary—were recommended to close next year, alongside plans to merge four elementary schools into two. While many attendees said closures may be necessary amid declining enrollment and a $12 million budget gap, they questioned the lack of data supporting the recommendations. District leaders are set to vote in about two weeks. Speakers raised concerns about transportation, changes to students’ education and a request for a transition plan before voting.