The Olathe City Council voted Aug. 19 to renew two contracts that fund school resource officers and crossing guards at local schools, keeping a 26-year safety partnership intact as the new school year begins.

The renewals authorize the city to continue paying for both programs during the 2026-27 school year. Dollar amounts and specific contract terms were not detailed in available public records.

The school resource officer program places officers in every Olathe high school, middle school and alternative education site, according to the Olathe Reporter. Elementary schools are covered separately by the Olathe Police Department's patrol division and safety specialists rather than dedicated SROs.

Olathe has funded school resource officers since 2000.

The crossing guard contract, renewed alongside the SRO agreement, funds positions that help students navigate traffic near school buildings. Both contracts are city-funded, meaning the cost comes from Olathe's municipal budget rather than the school district.

National recognition

The Olathe Police Department received national recognition for its SRO program earlier this year. The department was one of 11 agencies nationwide to receive the 2026 Model SRO Agency Award from the National Association of School Resource Officers, an honor given to agencies that meet NASRO's training, policies and standards. The Olathe Police Department announced the award on X in April.

NASRO sets standards for how officers interact with students, staff and families in school settings. The award recognizes departments that align their programs with those guidelines.

Individual council member votes on the renewals were not available in published accounts of the meeting. No public comments on the contracts were reported.

Olathe City Council agendas and minutes are posted on the city's website. The council typically meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.