On March 4, an email went out to Olathe West families, informing them that the Olathe West Principal, Jay Novacek, will be transitioning to a new job as the District Athletic and Activities Director for all of Olathe.
Novacek has been at West since it opened nine years ago in 2017. He has served as an educator in Olathe for 28 years, and has seen his own children go through the Olathe Public Schools. It wasn’t until this past February, when the current District Athletic Director, Matt Johnson, announced his retirement, that the idea of leaving West became a possibility for Novacek.
“It was a position that always kind of interested me. There’s a lot of cool things that are getting ready to happen in the district, and I think one of the things that I really enjoy doing is helping put things together and build things, and create new things that can be great for our kids here in Olathe,” Novacek said.
Being principal of a high school is a demanding job, but being the Director of Athletics and Activities brings on a whole new set of responsibilities.
“It’s a support role. You have five high schools and five ADs, and you want to be a resource to those five people and help them as they are running 21 sports in high school, you know, that’s a lot of teams. In addition to that, you know, there’s also 10 middle schools,” Novacek said. “And another piece to it will be the activity side. So, dance team, cheer, clubs and activities— all KSHAA activities.”
The District turned to Olathe West Assistant Principal Megan Black to be West’s new head principal, beginning the 2026-2027 school year. She has also been at West since its opening. Previously to Olathe West, she taught at Indian Trail Middle school and Gardner Edgerton, then served as the assistant principal at Eudora High School. She has worked alongside Novacek to build up the values of the school.
“Mr. Novacek has done just the most incredible job of setting the culture of this place, and setting the expectations of Olathe West,” Black said. “But my main goal is to really continue the excellent culture that he’s set.”
Black’s job next year includes many of the same duties, but brings even more strenuous responsibilities.
“I think the role just becomes much bigger and you just oversee a lot more things and try to make sure that the administrative team is working as a true team,” Black said.
Mrs. Black noted that there is no information about who the new assistant principal may be next year. But she is very optimistic that Olathe West will continue to grow its exceptional culture and environment.
“I don’t take it lightly whatsoever that I know that it’s a huge job ahead of me, and I’m excited, and I’m very honored, and I’m very grateful, but he will be missed in so many ways by so many people,” Black said.
Jay Novacek’s departure from West will leave a hole in the Olathe West community. Throughout his time here, he has created an environment that has helped thousands of students achieve success.
“I’m gonna miss everything. All the teachers here, all of the students here, a community that we have built over the last 10 years. From our families supporting us, to kids who live, breathe, and absolutely love everything about being an owl, and people taking pride in their school. Seeing that every day always kind of makes me feel great and being a part of something special,” Novacek said.
