SMSD Board Meeting July 20, 2026

The Shawnee Mission School District Board of Education held a regular meeting on July 20, 2026, focusing on several procurement and budget-related matters. Key discussions included the approval of contracts for substitute services with Kelly Services estimated at $7 million annually, and a contract renewal with Summit Achievement Center for educational programs and transportation services for five students, not to exceed $690,000. The board also approved an estimated $475,000 expenditure for Apple device repairs to support the district's digital learning initiative. Additionally, the board authorized the issuance and sale of general obligation bonds totaling approximately $78 million, achieving over $4.2 million in savings through refinancing at a 3.12% interest rate. The meeting addressed transportation policy, including a one-year suspension of variance fees for families living within 2.5 miles of their designated schools, pending further review. The board approved publishing notices for public hearings on the budget and tax rate, with a proposed total budget of $619.9 million for the 2026-2027 school year. Policy updates related to student assembly, personal electronic devices, and technology use, including discussions on an AI policy, were also deliberated. The board emphasized ongoing governance and strategic planning around instructional technology and student data privacy.