Diversity and Engagement Advisory Council

  • Make an Impact

    Our OPS DEAC is a council for students (high school juniors and seniors), certified and classified staff members, administration, parents, local community organization members, business representatives and ONEA representatives.

    Our Purpose

    The purpose of the DEAC is to advise, survey, and implement plans of action on topics of inclusion and belonging within the Olathe Public Schools. Its primary objective is to ensure the fidelity of a culture of belonging for all throughout the district.

    The DEAC will:

    • Support Olathe Public Schools in creating an equitable environment throughout the district.
    • Discuss concerns and opportunities for improvement in programming and practices by fostering a welcoming environment of inclusion and belonging for all students, staff and community.
    • Make recommendations to district administration.
    • Be champions for all within our district and the Olathe community.

    Advisory Council members

    Commitment

    • Serve a minimum two-year term, by appointment.
    • Participate in monthly meetings. If unable to attend, notify council co-chair.
    • Participate in sub-committees and review data to make recommendations.
    • Participate in ad hoc committees as appointed.
    • Serve as a liaison for the community and the district on inclusion and belonging.

    Council Membership

    Members of the council are representatives of the following groups:

    • High school student representatives
    • Parents
    • Teachers
    • Classified staff members
    • Administrators
    • Board of Education member
    • Local community organization / business representatives
    • ONEA representatives

    DEAC 2025-26 Members

    • Abby Teigland
    • Adhiraaj (Raj) Gupta
    • Aisha Rakhmonova
    • Alicia Jackson
    • Amirah Bobbit
    • Amy Hillman
    • Amy L. Brown
    • Angie Powers
    • Ashley Martin
    • Benjamin Hillman
    • Crystal Greer
    • Deb Clegg
    • Donald Sykes
    • Elise Flatland
    • Elizabeth Heller
    • Elsa Aguilar
    • Emily Mendez
    • Jahzara Lewis
    • Jason Herman
    • Jason Martin
    • Jean Cantero Segura
    • Joy Dandridge
    • Karla Diaz Hernandez
    • Katrina Johnson
    • Kelly Ledesma
    • Kim Davis
    • Kim Steinbacher
    • Kristin Ranshaw
    • Lyla Moreira
    • Marena Eaton
    • Marta Silva
    • Melissa Thomas
    • Marion Kimani
    • Noah Harrell
    • Raquel Denise Menjivar
    • Raschel Brock
    • Sergio Gonzalez
    • Shannon Reese
    • Smaran Giri
    • Staci Leatherland
    • Suzy Castro Perez
    • Theresa Heller
    • Tera Wiggins
    • Will McDowell
    • Yoesph Negash
    • Vivian Estefes-Santos
    • Will Babbitt

DEAC Members Meet