OLATHE, Kan. -- The Olathe School District has lost 60 employees in the last several weeks, KMBC's Peggy Breit reported Monday.

Video

Video: Watch KMBC's Report

Officials said the reason was a mismatch between names and Social Security numbers.

Most of the resignations were from the custodial staff. At Olathe North High School, five out of 12 custodians quit their jobs, apparently due to a lack of proper documentation.

The wave of resignations came shortly before graduation -- one of the busiest times for custodial crews.

Jesus Berumen, the lead custodian at Olathe North, said he has spoken to one of the workers who quit.

"He come in and tell me, 'Hey, Jesus, I feel bad, I need to go. 'I (didn't) ask why or nothing, but he tell me, 'My Social Security number is no good,'" Berumen said.

The problem started when the school received notices from the Social Security Administration about mismatched numbers. The school district then sent certified letters to 84 employees.

School officials said the purpose of the letters was to make sure the workers received the benefits they have earned. Instead, one-third of the district's custodians and several service workers quit.

"We've not let anyone go ourselves and we've not terminated anyone as a result, but we've had many individuals who have simply resigned or not shown up for work," said Olathe Superintendent Dr. Ron Wimmer. "Many of them are lead custodians, very loyal, excellent workers."

The school district told KMBC that the job applicants had filled out the appropriate paperwork, and everything looked proper.

"I feel bad for the people for lost their job," Berumen said.

Most of the workers have been replaced, school officials said.