News Summary
Despite the setbacks from a recent bond vote, the Wichita School District is moving ahead with its Facility Master Plan. Key changes include the transition of Isely Elementary to a K-8 school and planned closures of several elementary schools. Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld assured the necessary funding for these transitions is secured. A new bonus plan for teachers has also been introduced, which will not apply to staff at schools marked for closure. The district is committed to adapting to the evolving needs of students and improving educational opportunities.
Wichita – The Wichita School District is pressing forward with its Facility Master Plan despite the recent failure of a $450 million bond vote. Key changes include the transition of Isely Elementary in Bel Aire to a kindergarten through eighth grade (K-8) school, which has already begun accommodating sixth graders this week. Principal Allison Renner emphasized that this transition could foster valuable community connections for students.
Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld confirmed that the district managed to obtain funding necessary for the K-8 transition, even following the setback of the bond vote. The decision to proceed with the transition reflects the district’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for its students.
In addition to the K-8 transition, the district has confirmed that several school closures will still take place as initially planned. Four elementary schools, specifically L’Ouverture, OK, Pleasant Valley, and Woodland, are set to close by 2027. Notifications regarding these closures are expected to reach parents by the fall, but they remain contingent on school board approval. A precise timeline for proximity of these closures has not yet been established, according to Bielefeld.
The closures will occur in stages, with OK and Pleasant Valley slated to close in spring 2027, followed by L’Ouverture and Woodland in spring 2028. Staff members, particularly those at the affected schools, are preparing for how the closures will impact them both personally and professionally. Teachers in these schools are anticipating more information regarding available resources and communication regarding the decision-making process.
Reflecting on the impending changes, Kathy Johnson, a music teacher at L’Ouverture, expressed a mix of sadness and preparedness, having been previously informed about the eventual closure. As part of the transition, students from L’Ouverture may move to nearby Mueller and Spaight elementary schools following its closure. In light of the situation, Johnson is contemplating retirement after L’Ouverture closes, although she acknowledges the ongoing infrastructure issues at her school.
Alongside the facility changes and school closures, a new bonus plan for teachers has been introduced. The program promises a first-year bonus of $1,500, which will increase by $500 each subsequent year, capping at a total of $3,000 by the fourth year. However, due to the impending closure of OK and Pleasant Valley Elementary Schools, staff at these locations will not be eligible for the fourth-year bonus.
Looking ahead, there are discussions about the possibility of presenting voters with another bond issue in the upcoming year. The proposed timeline for this vote is set for November 2026, although it will require confirmation from the school board before proceeding.
This initiative and the transitions within the district aim to address the evolving needs of students in Wichita and adapt to declining enrollment figures. The district remains committed to providing quality educational opportunities despite these challenges, and the developments from the Facility Master Plan are seen as essential steps in improving school facilities and infrastructure.
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Additional Resources
- MSN News: School Closures for USD 259
- KWCH: Teacher Reacts to Wichita School Closure Plan
- KSN News: USD 259 Wichita Cancels School
- KAKE: Wichita Public Schools Prep for Potential Closures
- Kansas.com: Wichita School District Updates
- Wikipedia: Wichita Independent School District
- Google Search: Wichita Public Schools
- Google Scholar: Wichita School Closure
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wichita
- Google News: Wichita School news
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