Bradley Boyd, an elected member of the Olathe Board of Education, is facing a possible criminal charge after an emergency on Interstate 35 and separate allegations from fellow police officers about mishandled union funds.

Boyd holds the District 2, Position 2 seat on the seven-member Olathe school board. He also serves as deputy police chief for Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools, a promotion he received Oct. 27.

An investigation reported by KMBC 9 News disclosed that Boyd was involved in a Nov. 3 emergency along I-35 near Lone Elm Road that shut down the interstate in both directions for about 90 minutes. Multiple law enforcement agencies responded.

Olathe police characterized the incident as a suicide attempt, according to KMBC. Boyd was inside his school district police cruiser at the time.

An Olathe Police Department report lists a possible offense of possession of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Under Kansas law, a conviction carries up to one year in jail and a fine. A possible offense listed on a police report is not the same as a criminal charge.

As of Nov. 10, Olathe police had not referred the case to the Johnson County District Attorney's Office or Olathe Municipal Court, according to Olathe Today. It remains unclear whether toxicology testing found evidence of impairment or whether prosecutors will be asked to consider charges.

Officers allege mishandled union funds

The I-35 incident is separate from allegations raised by a group of KCK school district police officers. On Oct. 4, officers who remained anonymous because of concerns about retaliation sent an email to district Chief Operations Officer Miguel Martin, KMBC reported.

The officers alleged Boyd, as president of their Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) lodge and the only person with access to its bank account, failed to pay for legal defense coverage, insurance and national and state FOP dues. Those payments come from money deducted from officers' pay. The officers said the non-payment caused their legal defense coverage and insurance to be canceled and their dues to lapse.

The officers also accused Boyd of leaving work early in his police vehicle for another job and being unresponsive to their concerns. No completed financial audit or criminal finding establishing misuse of funds has been identified, Olathe Today reported.

FOP members said they recently gained access to the lodge's bank account. After reviewing it, they were preparing to refer the matter for a criminal investigation, according to KMBC.

Promotion came after complaints

Boyd's promotion from sergeant to deputy chief was approved Oct. 27 by the KCK school board. Police Chief Gary Washington notified officers the following day. That approval came 23 days after the officers' complaint email was sent to district leadership.

Criminal defense attorney James Spies told KMBC the timeline raises concerns. "That raises serious questions about whether the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools scrutinized him closely and whether they did a thorough job vetting his background," Spies said.

Whether KCK administrators investigated the allegations before recommending the promotion has not been publicly explained.

What it means for Olathe families

Boyd's term on the Olathe school board began in 2024 and runs through 2028. On Oct. 1, he joined the unanimous 7-0 vote to close six Olathe schools at the end of the 2026-27 school year. He seconded the motion, which was made by board member Dr. Stacey Yurkovich.

Gera Netcher, co-founder of the group Olathe Families United, told KMBC the situation concerns her. "It definitely makes you think about what our school board does outside of their roles," Netcher said.

A KCK school district spokesperson called Boyd's situation a personnel matter and declined further comment. The district has not disclosed whether Boyd remains on active police duty or has been placed on leave. No public response from Boyd addressing the allegations has been identified in available reporting. Olathe Public Schools has not issued a public statement about whether the developments will affect Boyd's board service.

No criminal charges had been publicly reported as of Nov. 10. He is entitled to the presumption of innocence.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.