News Summary
Despite a failed bond vote, the USD 259 school district in Wichita is moving forward with its Facility Master Plan. Key changes include transitioning Isely Elementary to a K-8 model and the ongoing closure of four elementary schools. The district is introducing teacher bonuses and exploring future bond elections to secure funding for infrastructure improvements. Communication efforts are underway to support families and staff through these transitions.
Wichita School District Moves Forward with Facility Plans Despite Failed Bond Vote
Wichita, KS — Despite a recent defeat in a bond election, the USD 259 school district is continuing to implement parts of its Facility Master Plan. The district has announced that some infrastructure projects and school reconfigurations will proceed, regardless of the bond vote outcome.
Isely Elementary Transitions to K-8 Model
One significant change is at Isely Elementary School in Bel Aire, which has begun its shift to a kindergarten through eighth grade format. As of this week, sixth graders have returned to Isely Elementary, marking the start of the new arrangement. The district’s administration states that this change provides students with increased opportunities for community involvement and continuity of their education. Despite the bond vote failure, district officials confirmed that funding sources have been identified to support this transition.
School Closures Continue as Planned
The district had previously announced the closure of four elementary schools, and this plan remains in motion. The schools scheduled to close are L’Ouverture, OK Elementary, Pleasant Valley, and Woodland Elementary. The closures are expected to be completed by the 2027 school year. District officials indicated that parents would receive notification about these closures by fall, subject to approval from the school board. However, a detailed timeline for each school’s closure is still being finalized, with possible transition plans and dates being discussed internally.
Impacts on Teachers and Students
Teachers at the schools facing closure are preparing for the upcoming changes. Teachers expressed a mix of emotions, including sadness and readiness, as they anticipate the final phases of their school’s operation. For example, a music teacher at L’Ouverture expressed appreciation that the district has provided clearer information about the timeline this time around, compared to previous communications. Some teachers, like L’Ouverture’s staff, are considering retirement or career changes after the schools close. Meanwhile, students affected by the closures are expected to transfer to nearby schools, such as Mueller and Spaight elementary schools.
Teacher Bonuses and Staff Incentives
In addition to the physical and organizational changes, the district has introduced a bonus plan aimed at staff retention and motivation. Eligible teachers will receive a $1,500 bonus in their first year. This bonus will increase by $500 annually, reaching a maximum of $3,000 in the fourth year. Notably, staff members at OK and Pleasant Valley schools, which will be closing in spring 2027, will not qualify for the fourth-year bonus, as their schools will cease operations before that time.
Future Bond Elections and Planning
Despite recent setbacks, the district is considering holding another bond referendum in the future. The proposed timeline suggests a potential vote in November 2026, subject to approval by the school board. This vote could decide on funding for future projects, including infrastructure improvements and continued school expansions.
Summary of Next Steps
In summary, the Wichita USD 259 district is progressing with key elements of its Facility Master Plan, including school restructuring and new construction, independent of the recent bond vote outcome. Families and staff are preparing for ongoing changes, with communication efforts underway to ensure transparency. As school closures and relocations continue, the district remains focused on managing these transitions smoothly while exploring additional funding opportunities for the future.
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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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