News / Articles

Observer Corps Reports 
Johnson County agencies listed first, followed by school boards, then city councils.

The BOCC is now alternating between administrative and business meetings - administrative meeting one week and a business meeting the next week.  Go here to access the meeting archives.

2/12/26 Business Meeting

Public comments lasted about 10 minutes and included concerns about the transparency of the new Ad Hoc Housing Work Group and the exclusion of Commissioners Fast and Hanzlick from the aforesaid group.

The Chair signed the following notes for the record:

• Agreements for public improvements with the Cities of Lenexa (Santa Fe Trail), Merriam (Carter Avenue), and Olathe (Quivira Road).

• Amendment to Agreement with the City of DeSoto for a Preliminary Project Study of a Stormwater Management Project, Stormwater Improvements on 89th Street East of Kill Creek Road.

• Agreement with the City of Overland Park for a Preliminary Project Study of a Stormwater Management Project, Kenneth Road and 151st Street Stormwater Improvements.

• Agreement with the City of Fairway for public improvement of Shawnee Mission Parkway (North Side) from Mission Road to Buena Vista Street.

The following items were unanimously consented to: 

• Approved the January 15, 2026, business session minutes.

• Authorized an appraisal correction to the 2024 & 2025 Tax Rolls for Residential Real Estate.
  

• Authorized the Johnson County Election Office to accept a Kansas Secretary of State grant for increasing security at the Election Office, to reimburse the County up to 90 percent of approved costs, and to create a project account not to exceed $310,000.
  

• Approved an exception to competition and authorized the Johnson County Mental Health Center to enter into a services agreement with Overflow Storytelling Lab, LLC to provide a story campaign and community mobilization efforts for Phase 8.

The following action items were approved:

• A project authority increase for the Airport Master Plan Update for $262,970, total not to exceed $1,664,654, and the reallocation and use of additional Airport Enterprise Reserve funds (item moved to Action at request of Brewer).  The two JOCO Airports make up the busiest system in Kansas and bring in $1.1 B in revenue.  The vote was 7-0.

• A contract with Alfred Benesch & Company for services to complete the Marais Des Cygnes River two-dimensional floodplain modeling project, at a cost not to exceed $990,400.  Previous financing was obtained through FEMA grants, which are now in limbo.  JOCO will continue to apply for these funds.  With the updated model, we will be able to incorporate changes in land use.  The vote was 7-0.  
  

• The purchase of various fleet vehicles and equipment from competitively solicited contracts in an amount not to exceed $5,649,035.  Fleet Services began management of the Fleet Equipment Reserve Fund in 2018.  This request is half a million less than last year.  The County has experienced significant increases in the cost of vehicles and equipment.  The County uses public auction for the disposition of assets. The vote was 7-0. 
  

• A public hearing was held for the consolidation of the East and West Consolidated Zoning Boards into a single Consolidated Zoning Board, and to establish the qualifications and appointment process.  There were no public comments.  The Board will be made up of nine members, 3 nominations from each of the BOCC Third District, Sixth District, and the Chair Commissioners.  New bylaws are forthcoming with the nomination and approval of the new members.  The vote was 7-0.
  

• A contract amendment with CBIZ, Inc. for HR and compensation consulting services in the additional amount of $137,750 (contract total not to exceed $357,750), with authorization for reallocation and expenditure.  The CBIZ proposal is for Job Architecture Design Services CBIZ Proposal - Job Archhitecture.pdf.pdf. Discussion on this item centered on whether the study was necessary now or should be deferred to the upcoming budget process. Staff noted that the previous compensation survey is already being used to develop the new job architecture by expanding the number of positions and creating clearer career-progression pathways. The motion passed 6–1, with Ashcraft voting no.
  

• The addition of a 1.0 FTE by the Mental Health Center for a case manager for the City of Overland Park and the authorization for reclassification of the FY 2026 Mental Health fund balance (reserves) authority of $101,500.  The vote was 7-0.    
  

County Managers Report

• Highlights of the CERI 2026-01 JOCO Report (1/26 JC Indicators) include:
  •  Unemployment rate for November 2025 is 3.1%, no change from November 2024, up from the previous 5-year rate of 2.6%.
  • Number of single-family homes sold in November 2025 was 696, compared to 671 in November 2024, an 1.8% increase.
  • Total retail sales for Johnson County were $17.3 billion year-to date, as of October 2025, compared to $16.6 billion through the same period, year-to-date, October 2024, a 4% increase. 

• Treasury, Taxation, and Vehicles Offices closed to the public on February 16 for Presidents' Day, and training included Olathe and Mission Motor Vehicle and Treasury, Taxation, County Clerk, and County Recording at 111 South Cherry.
  

• Highlights of Major Projects Update (Major Projects Update 021226.docx.pdf ) included:
  • Detention Centers Security Equipment Upgrades (PBC)
  • Health Services Building (PBC) - On target, completion in March 2026.
  • NCADC Video Court Improvements
  • Spring Hill Library Renovation + Expansion (JCL) - In construction phase
  • De Soto Library Renovation (JCL) - In construction phase

• Legislative Update Weekly Report - Weekly Report - Week of February 2, 2026.pdf.pdf highlights were:
  • SB402, which shields seniors and long-term homeowners from being penalized by rising valuations and prevents loss of benefits during medical treatment, caregiving, or crisis displacement.  There was some discussion around the difference in each county's home appraised values. 
  • SB404, which increases fees for vehicle registrations to help fund county offices to hire staff and cover operational costs, responding to long wait times and staffing shortages at county motor vehicle offices.  In 2024, counties collected $32.4 million in fees, but only a fraction stayed locally to fund DMV operations.

• Performance Audit Report on Purchasing Cards - Cards are generally used as intended, with room for enhanced oversight with added processes for tracking forced transactions, non-cancellation of unused cards, and reimbursements for accidental personal use. 

2/19/26 Administrative Meeting

Public Comments lasted about 15 minutes.  Several speakers referenced the recent actions by the Lenexa Planning Commission and City Council approving Habitat for Humanity’s fifty-home development in Lenexa.  One participant reiterated his concern about receiving adequate and timely notice for meetings of the new Ad Hoc Housing Committee.
 
Chair signed the following notes for the record:

• A resolution to enlarge the privately financed sewer district and provide for the assessments of all applicable fees, charges, and levies of the Consolidated Main Sewer District in the vicinity of 175th Street and Switzer Rd.

• Three partial releases of easement for Johnson County Wastewater for the sanitary sewer lines in the vicinity of Floyd Street & 185th Terrace due to the reduction of the easement requirement, and in the vicinity of W. 169th Street and Lindenwood Drive, Olathe, and W. 175th Street and Long Street, Overland Park sewer line due to the removal of the sanitary sewer line.

The following Commissioner appointment nominees were approved by unanimous consent:

• Johnson County Developmental Supports Governing Board:  Kyle Russell (1st District), Debbie Williams (2nd District), and Joe Connor (4th District).

• Johnson County Consolidated Fire District No.1:  Emma Entwistle (3rd District).
  

• Johnson County Consolidated Fire District No.2:  Richard Weast (1st District), Laura Carey (1st District), and Sarah Sanders (1st District). 

Ashcraft requested that the second item be moved to the Action agenda, and the appointments were then approved unanimously, following commendations from each of the nominating commissioners for their candidates.

• Johnson County Transit Council:  Jason Gillam (3rd District) and Margaret Vogt (5th District). 

The January 22, 2026, Business Meeting Minutes were approved unanimously.

The Ad Hoc Housing Committee will meet on March 12, per Kelly, and the information will be on the website.

2/26/26 Business Meeting

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Lasted for five minutes and addressed issues of the approaching end of this cold weather shelter term, with another coming next December, and consequences suffered by the unhoused who carry their lives "on their backs and in their hands".  Another commenter disparaged the handling of the extension of the public safety tax.

NOTES FOR THE RECORD

The Chair signed the following notes for the record:

• Agreements with the cities of Merriam, Leawood, Lenexa, Shawnee, and Overland Park to provide additional transit services during the FIFA World Cup 26 matches.
• An agreement with the City of Merriam for the design of a Stormwater Management Project known as Upper Turkey Creek Stormwater Improvements.
• A resolution enlarging the privately financed sewer district and providing for the assessments of all applicable fees, charges, and levies of the Consolidated Main Sewer District in the vicinity of 15135 Stearns Place.

CONSENT AGENDA (approved without amendment by a vote of 6-0, 1 absent (the Chair).

• A resolution delegating authority to the Director of the Mental Health Department to negotiate and enter into municipal agreements with Johnson County school districts.
• An authorization for the Chair to execute Amendment No. 1 of the Intergovernmental Cooperative Agreement for Sewer Service between the City of Olathe and Johnson County.
• A Plat Exception for Payne & Brockway, applicant, for a Preliminary and Final Plat for three lots (Gardner Lake Estates 1st Plat), located at 159th St. and Gardner East Rd.

ACTION AGENDA

• Approval of the February 5, 2026, Business Session Minutes. Approved by a vote of 6-0, 1 absent (the Chair).
• An authorization for a five-year contract with Spare Labs, in an amount up to $1,035,200 (March 1, 2026, through February 28, 2031) for transit scheduling, dispatch, and rider-facing software to support Johnson County’s microtransit. Passed by a vote of 7-0.  The Chair has joined the meeting.
  The current system lacks the flexibility and interfaces necessary for the growing role of para transit, and it will enhance planning with real-time monitoring and allow enhanced tracking for non-verbal riders.  Cancellation of the contract is possible if it doesn't perform as promised. 
• An authorization for the emergency purchase of P1 Service install temp emergency generator, automatic transfer switch, & replacement ATS Sheriff Operations up to $190,000 on-call electrical term & supply contract waive $150,000 clause 1 time purchase. Passed by a vote of 7-0.
  The current temporary transfer switch incurs a charge of $9000.00/month.  Funding is in place to purchase this replacement.  Without it, the building will not function if the power goes out.
  
• A resolution amending the Johnson County Zoning and Subdivision Regulations for the purpose of adding regulations for short-term rental use of dwelling units within unincorporated Johnson County. 6-1
  The Planning Commission has recommended approval.  The website will have updated application tools and FAQs. The Chair questioned the timing, as a bill (HB2481), currently before the Kansas Senate, removes all restrictions during the World Cup.  He suggested tabling this until the March 12 meeting.  There was some discussion about noise regulations, large gatherings, traffic, etc., and having parameters in place before the bill is passed.  The difficulty is that if it is not specifically permitted or prohibited, regulation will be difficult.  There is also concern that this will continue in perpetuity.

MANAGEMENT REPORTS

• Announcement of 2025 Employee Leadership in Action Awards PowerPoint Presentation.
       Awards will be presented at a future event.
• K-State Extension February-March Programming  K-State Extension Programs Handout.docx.pdf
       Available classes include help with income taxes, estate planning, and health and wellness.
• News release subscription tool
       This tool enables residents to receive news releases in their emails at the time of release.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Weekly Report - Week of February 16, 2026.pdf.pdf 

This is the first week post-turnaround.  Highlights include SB393, which allows 24/7 alcohol sales during the World Cup. Two measures would cap property taxes and/or the amount of revenue that could be raised from them: HB2745, which requires local governments to get voter approval to raise property tax revenues above a set limit, and SRC1616, which sends a proposed constitutional amendment to the ballot that would cap annual increases in taxable assessed value at 3% for virtually all real property and residential mobile homes.  These two measures would create an outsized revenue burden on Johnson County.  For a primer on these measures, see Topeka Buzz: February 26, 2026 

APPRAISER'S 2026 REVALUATION

The County Appraiser presented this report. It’s a complex document and not easily distilled into a brief summary, but it will be posted on the website soon. The most important takeaway is clear, though: our community continues to face a significant shortage of accessible housing.

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS

Hanzlick, Kelly, and Myers reported on the National Association of Counties (NACO) meeting this week.  Hanzlick serves on the Community, Economic & Workforce Development Policy Steering Committee; concerns were expressed about the forced consolidation of local boards, interfering with local boards, and changes in HUD funding.  Kelly commented on the "connective tissue" provided by counties, including building forty percent of roads.

3/5/25 Administrative Meeting

The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Hanzlick; Chair Kelly was absent. Public comments lasted about ten minutes. Speakers addressed the new Gardner ordinance prohibiting sleeping on public property, raised concerns about the Board’s fiduciary responsibilities and the public safety tax, and expressed interest in eliminating the state income tax.

National Severe Weather Awareness Week was recognized.  Three important aspects of preparedness were reviewed:  Know where to take shelter, have multiple ways to receive notifications and information, and review your emergency preparedness plan with your family and coworkers. For notifications, sign up at www.notifyjoco.org or call (913) 826-5555.  To learn about the county’s Partners in Preparedness program, visit Partners in Preparedness | Johnson County Kansas.

The following notes for the record were signed:

• Agreements with the City of Mission for the Public Improvement of Johnson Drive from Metcalf Avenue to Lamar Avenue, with the City of Shawnee for the Public Improvement of Midland Drive from Shawnee Mission Parkway to I-435, and with the City of Fairway for a Stormwater System Renewal Project.

CONSENT AGENDA

The consent agenda was approved by a unanimous vote of 6-0.  Chair Kelly was absent.

• Approved the February 12, 2026, business session minutes.

• Approved the following appointments:
  • Amanda Vega-Mavec, EdD (4th District nominee) to the Johnson County Library Board.
  • Nick Voris (Chair nominee) to the Johnson County Sustainability Coalition.
  • Joshua Thede (1st District nominee) to the Johnson County Transit Council.
  • Sidney Mitchell (Chair nominee) to the Civil Service Board.
  • Tim Janssen (Chair nominee) to the Johnson County Consolidated Fire District No. 2 Governing Board.
  • Lorrie Trout (Chair nominee) to the Johnson County Housing and Community Development Advisory Council.
  • Christopher Woodward (3rd District) to the Johnson County Juvenile Corrections Advisory Board.

The meeting was adjourned after two Executive Sessions.

3/12/26 Business Meeting

Public Comments lasted ten minutes and addressed suggestions that some of the income from the World Cup be used to address unhoused issues and complaints about the cost of the Health Services Building.

NOTES FOR THE RECORD

• The Chair signed an agreement with the City of Prairie Village for Stormwater System Renewal Project(s).

A vote of 7-0 approved the following CONSENT AGENDA items.

• The February 19, 2026, business session minutes.
• The annual Noxious Weed Management Plan for 2026, the Eradication Progress Report for 2025, and the designation of Jim Hoge as the Johnson County Noxious Weed Director for 2026.
• A Final Plat for Wilshire Estates.
• The 10th Judicial District’s SFY2027 Juvenile Services Comprehensive Plan Grant Application for $1,811,753.80 to be submitted to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

The following items were moved to Action at the request of Ashcraft and were approved by votes of 6-0-1 and 7-0.

• An agreement for a storm sewer inspection project with the City of Spring Hill, at a cost to the Johnson County Stormwater Management Program of $187,470.

Out of an abundance of caution, Kelly recused himself.  The discussion involved reasonable and appropriate estimated charges, which are determined by industry standards and will be subject to competitive bidding.

• The 10th Judicial District’s Adult Services Comprehensive Plan Grant Application for $3,140,537.00 to be submitted to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

There has been an ongoing discussion regarding equitable distribution across counties.  The state’s funding formula remains under review.  The state defines recidivism as the number of probationers not returned to custody for parole violations.

The following ACTION AGENDA items were approved:

• A rezoning to the PRUR District and Preliminary Plat (The Den at Wolf Creek), located at 15710 W. 183rd St.  Vote 7-0.
• An amendment to the Johnson County Zoning and Subdivision Regulations for the purpose of adding regulations for short-term rental use.  Vote 7-0. 

The item was added per board decision to table at the 2-26-2026 BOCC Meeting.

• Approval for granting Johnson County Transit a temporary exemption from certain provisions of the Johnson County Government Advertising Policy and Guidelines.  Vote 6-1.
  

REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS

MANAGER’S MEMO

• County Economic Research Institute (CERI) Indicators - February 2026 Edition - Highlights include an increase in the December 2025 unemployment rate, currently 3.2%, a 0.3% increase in single-family homes sold, and a 4.1% increase in total retail sales, now $19.1 billion year-to date, as of November 2025.
• Health & Safety Report - Highlights include measures to provide Emergency Medical Services that are safe, effective, patient-centered; plans to support our natural environment and resources; promotion of a supportive and welcoming community; development of policies that promote energy efficiency and growth; continued leverage of Opioid Settlement Funds; enhanced partnerships with the Sheriff's Office; and implementation of infrastructure improvements that promote organized and sustainable development.  For details, see the County website.

OTHER REPORTS

• CERI – Highlights include JOCO:

1. Population growth is slowing and expected to slow further due to federal policies, such as 50% decreased international migration decline in Kansas.  Historically, JOCO has been a destination for migration from outstate Kansas; as their populations decrease, net domestic migration is negative.
2. Labor force and employment growth weakening; wage growth ticked up in 2024 but slowed in the first half of 2025.
3. The housing market is constrained by low inventory and relatively high interest rates, with the average sales price outpacing inflation.
4. Nonresidential development dominated by industrial and “other” categories.
5. Real retail sales growth turned positive in 2025 but may weaken in 2026 if higher oil prices persist, putting pressure on inflation and consumer spending.
6. JOCO (2024) accounts for 29.8% (up 0.5%) of Kansas GDP and 35.9% (up 4.7%) of Kansas City Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) GDP

• MARC – Highlights include:

1. Kansas City’s economy has lost momentum, lagging US growth by 1.1%, with employment remaining flat for 18 months, and with the COVID economy not busting as low, but not booming as high either
2. The good -producing sectors include construction, which has grown the most, notably around new industrial and apartment projects, and durable goods manufacturing, which leads the way, outpacing the nation.
3. Within durable goods, computer and electronic manufacturing (Garmin) outperforms the US by a wide margin, while motor vehicles, historically our largest export, lags.
4. Other manufacturing sectors doing better than average include chemical, driven by the pharmaceutical sector, and electrical equipment, driven by Panasonic and its suppliers.
5. Hospital employment outperforms the nation, but other health care systems do not.
6. Kansas City’s employment is flat but could be pushed to a short-term decline if the predicted loss of 10% of the federal workforce continues.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE – Highlights include:

1. Both the Senate (bill_exp_sb315_01_0000.pdf)  and the House (bill_exp_hb2434_01_0000.pdf) have passed their versions of the Budget Bill, and the Conference Committee will meet this coming week.  The House Speaker, Dan Hawkins, had proposed cutting $300M from the budget, but the House bill actually increases it by $70M
2. KS HB 2745 replaces the Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) framework with a new property tax limit system, proposing a cap on property tax revenue at 3% + new growth + some debt consideration.  Voters could protest a raise with a signature petition, requiring 5% of the voters from the last Secretary of State Election.  The vote was not veto-proof.
3. The Senate property tax bill, reworking HB 2745, is Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) + slight inflationary credit, not allowing for new growth or exempt debt, which can destabilize the entire Kansas market, make borrowing more expensive, and make investors less likely to bid on bonds.
4. KS SCR 1616 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would cap annual increases in the assessed value of real property and mobile homes in Kansas. It aims to slow property tax growth by limiting the rate at which valuations can rise, with specific exceptions.   If approved by two-thirds of both chambers, the resolution would appear on the August 4, 2026, special election ballot.
5. There was no new update on KS SB 394, which is the signature verification bill.

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS

• Brewer and Meyers reported that, in the most recent canvass for bond elections in Olathe, Gardner-Edgerton, and De Soto, 1,008 mail ballots arrived after the deadline and were therefore not counted. Meyers noted that most of these late ballots were cast by older voters. Both commissioners emphasized that voter education on deadlines remains essential. Mail-in ballots must now be received by Election Day, as the previous grace period has been eliminated. Brewer expressed concern that these changes, which result in fewer votes being counted at a time of declining turnout, run counter to the spirit of democratic participation.

---

Johnson County Area Agency on Aging’s Nutrition Programs are available to anyone 60 years or older. Please click on the link to learn more:

https://www.jocogov.org/department/aging-and-human-services/johnson-county-area-agency-aging/nutrition-  

The guest speaker at the meeting was Kelly Loeb from the KU Disease Research Center. They are funded through the National Institutes of Health. Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. The ADRC is currently looking for people to sign up for their studies. Please click the link to learn more: Explore Study Opportunities

Johnson County’s Aging and Human Services Director, Tim Wolf and the Area Agency on Aging’s Asst. Director, Carol Colnar, are headed to Washington DC to speak to our Kansas legislators to discuss the importance of the Older Americans Act of 1965 which helps fund nutrition programs, transportation, and caregiver support and other community services.

---

All board members were present, as was Johnson County Commissioner Julie Brewer.  Public Comments were presented by two patrons. The first was asking for more communication about plans for the Corinth Library. She expressed frustration that plans have been too long in the making and are not being shared with the community. The second speaker expressed strongly that he was opposed to building a new Corinth Library.  He felt that the current location and building would serve taxpayers better than starting over with new construction and new location.  

Board members graciously expressed their gratitude for the comments and shared that they do not yet have any feedback to offer regarding the library replacement.  

Board Chair Jeffrey Mendoza’s term will expire at the end of April.  He will recommend his replacement.  

The Development Department is monitoring federal/state legislative bills pending in Topeka. It was also reported that the library has received a $200,000 endowment from a patron. The Volunteer Appreciation luncheon will be held on April 11 at the Central Library.  

Commissioner Brewer reported that a library vehicle request has been approved. She also referred to House Bill 2745, which is pending in Topeka.  This bill would affect timely budget-making decisions for state agencies.

Finances and Statistics:  A hiring pause is currently in place for some library positions.  The Spring Hill and DeSoto Libraries are not yet fully staffed, pending legislation regarding budgeting.

Renovations: Spring Hill construction is now weather-tight.  Interior work is being completed. Technology will be installed in March. No opening date is yet determined.   DeSoto construction is on target, with much of the interior work completed.  Carpeting, lighting and bathroom tiling are in progress. Technology will be added in February.  DeSoto’s opening date will be announced at the next board meeting in March. 

The meeting was shortened due to the Board going into Executive Session.

To learn more, click here.

---

All board members were present, as was Johnson County Commissioner Julie Brewer

In recognition of Black History Month (February) and Women’s Equality Month (March), board member Charles McAllister presented a short video in memory of Alice H. Parker.  In 1919, Parker received a patent using natural gas in her design of the forerunner of today’s modern furnace. Parker has largely been lost to history.  McAllister thanked the library staff for its thorough curation of Black History Month. 

Friends of the Library reported on HB2745 and SCR1616 in the KS legislature.  They are keeping a watchful eye on how these bills may affect library funding.  In addition, Friends of the Library presented a check for $137,012.

Statistics from the Branch Services Department: Half of Johnson County residents are library cardholders. Patrons check out an average of 30 items per year. Based on 2025 stats, 243,076 Johnson County residents were cardholders (9% increase from 2024), and 108,237 patrons attended a library program.  

The Collections Development team consists of 14 staff managing and collecting about 1 million items. The library conducts diversity audits every three years to ensure that the interests of patrons are met.   

Spring Hill Library renovations are on track.  The opening date is to be determined soon.  The DeSoto branch is scheduled to open on time and on budget on April 23, 2026. Cedar Roe Library restroom renovations continue with reopening expected in June.  Leawood Library will receive courtyard updates in June. The Corinth replacement is still being studied.  Corinth is the oldest library in the system, opening in 1963. 

Community Connection is enhanced with a pilot program at the 87th Street branch library. In conjunction with Renewed Hope, a food pantry, a room is used for serving the community one day a week.  This houses the program, in turn bringing more of the community into the library. It will be re-evaluated in 6 months to determine its impact.  

Based on questions posed by the Board in the February meeting, staff shifted hours and added 2 evening shifts to the proposed pilot program in Spring Hill. The concern remains security. The library staff has been in contact with community law enforcement and first responders to enhance the perceived need for safety. A phone has been added to this branch to ensure support, if needed.  

To learn more, click here.

---

All members of the Board were present. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. and began with a Legislative Update from Patty Markley at Markley Strategies, LLC. Ms. Markley noted the alignment (or lack thereof) of statehouse action regarding Blue Valley’s legislative priorities.  Her presentation included the following details:

--Over 100 education-related items have been introduced so far this session including those related to cell-phone use, tax credits, income verification for free/reduced school lunches, daily physical activity requirements for all grade levels, staffing of applied behavior specialists, and special ed funding.

--2 SPED funding proposals, one from the House $5 million) and one from the Senate ($10 million), fall far short of the amount needed for Kansas public schools. Blue Valley currently finds it necessary to divert $18 million from the District’s general fund to cover mandated SPED expenses as the state consistently underfunds Special Ed programs. There is not $18 million in the current BV budget to cover those costs without cutting programs. Currently there are $269 million dollars available to the state that could be used to pay for Special Ed. 

Public comment followed, with 8 community members speaking in support of  the 5th grade Strings program and 2 state legislators who implored the Board and the public to contact their state representatives to encourage SPED funding, thereby allowing Strings, as well as other District programs, to continue. Superintendent Chapman echoed this approach and reminded the community that in August and November all state offices,including all representatives and the Governor, are up for election. At several points in the meeting reminders were made to register and to vote.

Dr. Chapman then gave her monthly report, noting achievements by staff, students and alumni and announced that new principals have been chosen for Valley Park and Mission Trail elementaries. 51 National Merit Finalists from Blue Valley were named and special recognition was given to HS students who achieved All State Music Honors. The newest episode of the BV Unmuted podcast focused on Career and Tech ready programs provided at CAPS and the new edition of BV Today has been mailed to all community members,

Although there were no specific Board Committee reports this month, the 3 committees have prioritized building assets, career/tech programs and SPED as areas of ongoing attention. Committees also stressed the importance of keeping tax levels stable ( i.e. no increase) for the foreseeable future. Proposed student fee updates were presented for items such as meals, transportation and HS parking licenses and will be up for approval at the April meeting. Dr. Katie Collier submitted a draft of the 2027-28 school calendar, also up for approval next month.

The Board then reviewed and approved policy updates for KASB indexes A, B, C, D, E, F and H with the possibility of future minor updates. These indexes are examined regularly to determine the District’s alignment with the state policies or reworking them to conform to the District’s mission and strategies.

The following contracts were approved:
● Apple, Inc (MS/HS lab and course needs)
● Circadia Construction (SPED facility at BVNWHS)
● Universal Construction (asset preservation/foundation work at 4 MS)
● Dusselier Concrete (site utility at various locations)
● Circadia (flooring at OMS and HMS)
● EF Commercial Flooring ( carpeting at MTE and HRT)

All expenses for the above came from the 2023 Bond Issue.

Also approved: BSN Sports (athletic apparel)

Final Board comments concerned the observance of Women’s History Month and the financial challenges facing the Board if certain legislative priorities are not supported.

The meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m. To learn more, click here.

---

The students from the student council of Sunflower Elementary School led the pledge of Allegiance. 

The Superintendent’s report highlighted some achievements by Shawnee Mission students.  The district is now open for summer enrollment.  The district is working to start construction in May on a new Early Childhood Education Center, designed to help preschool children with special needs prepare to enter school.  It is currently run through the existing Early Childhood Education Center and 18 elementary schools. 

There is a cell phone bill working its way through the Kansas legislature.  Funding for special education is down.  Shawnee Mission would like another $11,000,000 but they are unlikely to get that much.

School enrollment is declining all over the state due to a lower birth rate and people leaving because of their immigration status.  SMSD is down 250 students, many of them English as a second language students.  The cost of living in Johnson County is also a factor.  This will result in a loss of $2,400,000 in state funds.

To learn more, click here.

---

Mayor Skoog opened the meeting with one Council member absent. 

Council President Cheatham reported that the Committee-of-the-Whole discussed  PlaybookOP, the City's long term plan for its parks and recreational offerings.  PlaybookOP was drawn up based on citizen input and priorities, and took into account the funding needed to advance those priorities over the long-term.  

https://www.opkansas.org/recreation-fun/parks-trails/parks-master-plan/  

NOTE: to learn more about Overland Park's Committee of the Whole and how it differs from the Overland Park City Council, see:

https://www.opkansas.org/city-government/city-council-committees/city-council-committees/committee-of-the-whole/

City Manager Lori Curtis Luther reported that the city just received a long-delayed $500,000 grant from the federal government to begin designing and implementing a Traffic Safety Action Plan using the Safe Streets for All grant program. The program is designed to cut down on injuries and deaths caused by traffic accidents.  Details of the agreement between the federal government and the city of Overland Park can be found in this 77 page document:

https://opkansas.civicweb.net/document/382380/SS4A%20Grant%20Agreement_Redacted.pdf?handle=841590657AE44C349DA17020ABAC13B5

For video, agenda, and minutes of the meeting:

https://opkansas.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=9683 

---

Mayor Curt Skoog opened the meeting with all Council Members present. 

Council President Melissa Cheatham reported that members of the Council met with the Overland Park Planning Commission to discuss the work being done to update the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). This Ordinance  regulates how land is used and developed in the City.  

https://www.opkansas.org/city-services/planning-development/long-range-planning/udo-update/

The website also offers residents an opportunity to sign-up for email updates on the status of the Unified Development Ordinance. 

The Council approved an agreement with Bike Share KC for the purchase of equipment, and monthly costs associated with a Bike Share Pilot Program. The agreement states that the total cost must not exceed $975,000. That total includes $350,000 for initial capital costs, with maintenance costs not to exceed $125,000 annually for up to five years. Nine members of the Council voted Yes to approve, two members voted No to deny, and one member Abstained. Link to the 14 page agreement:

https://opkansas.civicweb.net/document/392362/Agreement%20-%20Bike%20Share%20KC.pdf?handle=67DE58A403C44A93A3C16D21DA386F9B

The Council unanimously approved an agreement to purchase LED Video Walls for the new Clock Tower Landing being completed in Downtown Overland Park. Details of that agreement:

https://opkansas.civicweb.net/document/392233/_span%20style=_text-decoration_underline;__Agreem.docx?handle=55B383F8117B4300B9F9CDF3A1AB2D16

Council Member Holly Grummert shared an update from the Mid-America Regional Council, reporting that the KC Fresh RX program will run from April to October, 2026.  This program assists Medicaid recipients in purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables, and offers  nutritional education resources and classes. For more information on KC Fresh RX:
https://www.marc.org/health/kc-fresh-rx

PRAIRIE VILLAGE CITY COUNCIL
2/17/26
Observer: Eileen M

The Council met in person at 6:00 p.m., with public viewing in person or via livestream. All members were present. Wandra Minor and her associate Willie Woods of the NAACP thanked the Council for its support and collaboration. Eight people commented during public comment time, with three expressing concern that a PV-based development company has sold an empty warehouse to the Department of Homeland Security for an ICE detention center in Texas. (Check out the JOCO Post or KC Star for story.)

City Administrator Wes Jordan updated the Council on extremely preliminary discussions with the JOCO Library about possible location of a new library at the municipal campus, if rebuilding on the current site of the Corinth library is not possible. No decisions have been made by either party.

Other city business was conducted, and the Council adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

PRAIRIE VILLAGE CITY COUNCIL
3/2/26
Observer: Eileen M

The Council met in person at 6:00 p.m., with public viewing in person or via livestream. A quorum of 8 was present at roll call; one member arrived a few minutes later. Graves, Sellers, and Bartelt were absent. Three police officers received awards for saving lives in two different incidents. Women’s History month was recognized. Council recognized a PV resident who will turn 102 in a few days. Public comments lasted 10 minutes.

The main item of business was discussion of the overall budget process and the underlying goals and objectives of the city budget. Home appraisals in PV are up by 6.6% on average for 2026, compared to last year. One item that will have an impact on city budgets throughout Johnson County is the probable loss of the public safety sales tax; for PV, that item will leave a hole of approximately $700K. 

Other city business was conducted, and the Council adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

To learn more, click here.