News Summary
Despite the rejection of a significant bond, Wichita School District (USD 259) is implementing its Facility Master Plan. Key changes include expanding Isely Elementary to a K-8 school and the planned closure of four elementary schools by 2027. The district is also introducing a bonus plan for teachers to aid in the transition, while preparing for a future bond vote to fund further initiatives. The district aims to enhance community ties and optimize resources amidst challenging circumstances.
Wichita – The Wichita School District (USD 259) is moving forward with several initiatives outlined in its Facility Master Plan despite the recent failure of a $450 million bond vote. Significant changes are underway, including the expansion of Isely Elementary School in Bel Aire to a kindergarten through eighth grade institution, with sixth graders returning to the school on Wednesday. This transition aims to strengthen community ties among students, as expressed by school principal Allison Renner.
Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld confirmed that funding has been secured to implement the K-8 transition at Isely Elementary, independent of the bond’s outcome. However, the district will proceed with previously announced school closures as part of its strategic planning for the future, regardless of the bond failure.
USD 259 plans to close four elementary schools by 2027: L’Ouverture, OK, Pleasant Valley, and Woodland. Parents can expect to receive notifications regarding these closures by fall, contingent on school board approval. Specific timelines for the closures have not yet been established, though it has been indicated that OK and Pleasant Valley are scheduled to close in spring 2027, while L’Ouverture and Woodland will shut their doors in spring 2028. Teachers and staff at the affected schools are awaiting further resources and communications related to these decisions.
Concerns from educators have surfaced regarding the impacts of these closures. Music teacher Kathy Johnson, who works at L’Ouverture, has expressed sadness about the closure yet appreciated the clearer communication from the district compared to previous plans. Johnson is contemplating retirement after L’Ouverture’s closure and recognizes the ongoing infrastructure issues at her school. Students from L’Ouverture may be reassigned to nearby Mueller and Spaight elementary schools following the school’s closure.
In an effort to support staff during this transition, the district has introduced a bonus plan for teachers. Educators will receive a $1,500 bonus in the first year of employment that will increase by $500 annually, peaking at $3,000 by year four. However, teachers at OK and Pleasant Valley will not be eligible for the fourth-year bonus due to their schools’ impending closures.
Looking towards the future, preparations are being made for another bond vote, which may occur as early as November 2026, pending confirmation from the school board. This vote is seen as crucial to further advancing the goals of the Facility Master Plan and addressing future needs within the district amidst the ongoing changes.
The narrative behind these measures reflects a broader strategy by USD 259 to ensure that resources are allocated effectively amidst challenging circumstances. Educational leaders are focusing on fostering community connections through school transitions while also managing the unfortunate task of school closures, which are designed to optimize the district’s operations amidst ongoing budgetary constraints.
The ongoing developments within Wichita’s educational landscape highlight the complexities and difficulties faced by school administrators in making decisions that impact students, teachers, and the community as a whole. As these changes unfold, the district remains committed to maintaining clear communication and support for all stakeholders involved in the transition process.
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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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INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
