Olathe Schools Work to Reopen After Historic Snowstorm

OLATHE, Kan. — The Olathe Public Schools district is working tirelessly to clear snow and ice from its facilities following a historic snowstorm that hit the Kansas City metro area on Sunday. The district, which was scheduled to resume classes on Monday after a two-week winter break, has been forced to remain closed due to hazardous conditions.

On Wednesday, custodial supervisor Jeff Lemanske and his colleague Jose were seen clearing sidewalks at Indian Creek Elementary School using a snowblower. Indian Creek is one of 36 elementary schools and 82 buildings in the district. “We’re just trying to take care of them one at a time. My job is to go around, make sure they’re getting done, and to help if needed,” Lemanske said.

Meanwhile, at Meadow Lane Elementary School, head custodian Elma Faudoa braved the bitter cold to chip ice off sidewalks and driveways. “It’s my job. We want to make it safe, so the students don’t fall,” Faudoa explained. The district’s efforts showed progress as six elementary schools hosted the Johnson County Parks and Recreation Department’s Inclement Weather Care Program, providing childcare for registered students from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The snowstorm, described as the fourth-largest in the Kansas City area’s history, has left many side streets still covered in snow and ice. Olathe resident Claire Genis shared her struggles, saying, “It’s been awful. A lot of snow and ice. Couldn’t drive anywhere. I had to call out of work on Monday.”

As the city prepares for another round of snowfall, crews are working around the clock to pre-treat roads and clear remaining snow. Cody Kennedy, Olathe’s Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, praised the efforts of city crews, stating, “I want to give credit to our crews, who have been working 24/7.”

Residents like Christina Webb, who recently moved to Olathe, have faced challenges navigating the icy roads. “Moving in this weather has not been the best,” Webb said. “Putting a 20-foot U-Haul truck through here, getting stuck at the end of the driveway, having five people push it out has definitely not been the best.”

With the district aiming to reopen schools soon, parents like Carolyn Amberg are eager for their children to return to class. Amberg, who recently moved to Olathe, hopes her daughter Nicole can start first grade at Indian Creek Elementary. “She’s really looking forward to joining school. Being a new student in a new area,” Amberg said.

As the community works together to recover from the storm, the district remains focused on ensuring safe conditions for students and staff. “We’re just trying to take care of them one at a time,” Lemanske reiterated, reflecting the collective effort to restore normalcy.