Olathe Schools Face Enrollment Decline, Prepare for Closures and Consolidations

District expects to lose over 4,000 students by 2040, requiring difficult decisions on school footprint

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After decades of steady growth, the Olathe school district in Kansas is now facing a significant enrollment decline, with projections showing a loss of over 4,000 students by 2040. In response, district leaders are preparing to close schools and consolidate others, a process that will involve input from teachers, parents, and administrators to ensure the best outcomes for students and staff.

Why it matters

The enrollment decline is forcing the Olathe school district to make tough decisions about its school footprint, which could have far-reaching impacts on the community. School closures and consolidations can be disruptive, requiring families to adapt to new transportation routes and school assignments. However, the district is committed to a comprehensive analysis to ensure the changes serve students and staff most effectively.

The details

Since peaking at 30,216 students in 2019, the Olathe school district has lost 1,762 students over six years, an average of about 300 students annually. This trend is expected to continue for at least the next 15 years, with projections showing fewer than 26,000 students attending Olathe public schools by 2040. To address this decline, the district is forming a task force to examine student enrollment and school locations, with the goal of 'reducing our footprint of our schools' to align with current and future enrollment. The process will involve three phases, including input from teachers, parents, and administrators, before the Board of Education makes a final decision expected in January.

  • The district's enrollment peaked at 30,216 students in 2019.
  • Over the past six years, the district has lost 1,762 students, an average of about 300 students annually.
  • By 2040, fewer than 26,000 students are projected to attend Olathe public schools.

The players

Olathe School District

A public school district serving the city of Olathe, Kansas, which has experienced decades of uninterrupted growth until recently.

Dr. Jim McMullen

The Deputy Superintendent of the Olathe School District, who has stated that the district is at a point where it must make difficult decisions due to enrollment decline and financial status.

Dr. Brent Yeager

The Superintendent of the Olathe School District, who has cautioned that the process of addressing enrollment decline is just the first step in a long process that will involve many conversations.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're at the point now where given our enrollment and our, frankly our financial status, we're really going to have to make these decisions at this time.”

— Dr. Jim McMullen, Deputy Superintendent (kctv5.com)

“This is obviously just the first step in a very long process and a lot of conversations.”

— Dr. Brent Yeager, Superintendent (kctv5.com)

What’s next

The task force will share recommendations with a steering committee, which will then present findings to the Board of Education for a final decision expected in January.

The takeaway

The Olathe school district's enrollment decline is forcing it to make difficult decisions about its school footprint, including closing and consolidating schools. While these changes will be disruptive, the district is committed to a comprehensive analysis to ensure the best outcomes for students and staff, and is seeking input from the community to guide the process.