News Summary
The Wichita School District is advancing its Facility Master Plan, converting Isely Elementary to a K-8 school following a failed bond measure. Superintendent Bielefeld announced that despite the bond’s failure, funding for this transition is secured. Several other closures are planned by 2027, with teacher bonuses introduced to support those affected. As teachers face these changes, the district considers proposing a new bond for future funding needs to improve educational facilities.
Wichita – The Wichita School District is moving forward with its Facility Master Plan, making significant changes including the transition of Isely Elementary in Bel Aire to a kindergarten through eighth grade institution. This decision comes in the wake of a failed $450 million bond vote meant to fund improvements across the district.
On Wednesday, sixth graders returned to Isely Elementary as part of the transition to a K-8 school model. Principal Allison Renner has expressed that this change will help foster valuable connections within the community for the students. Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld reported that despite the failure of the bond measure, the district secured necessary funding to implement the K-8 transition.
In addition to this transition, the district has confirmed that several school closures will still take place as previously communicated, regardless of the bond vote outcome. Four elementary schools are slated for closure by the year 2027: L’Ouverture, OK, Pleasant Valley, and Woodland. Notifications regarding the closures are expected to be sent to parents by fall, once the school board provides its approval. The precise timeline for when these closures will occur is still under consideration.
Teachers at the affected schools are preparing for the transitions and are looking for clarity regarding resources and communication about the closure decisions. Kathy Johnson, a music teacher at L’Ouverture, acknowledged the sadness surrounding the impending closure but noted that she had been prepared due to earlier notifications from the district. The planned timeline indicates that OK and Pleasant Valley elementary schools will close in spring 2027, while L’Ouverture and Woodland will follow suit in spring 2028.
To support teachers amidst these changes, the district is implementing a bonus plan. This plan includes a $1,500 bonus for teachers in their first year, which will increase by $500 annually, capping at $3,000 in the fourth year. However, educators at OK and Pleasant Valley will not be eligible for the fourth-year bonus since their schools will be closed before that time. Johnson commented on the district’s effort to provide a more transparent timeline regarding school closures compared to previous communications.
As teachers navigate these changes, Johnson is considering retirement following L’Ouverture’s closure, reflecting on the school’s longstanding infrastructure issues. After the closure of L’Ouverture, students may transition to nearby Mueller and Spaight elementary schools, which are anticipated to receive these students.
Looking ahead, the district is considering bringing another bond proposal to voters next year. A suggested timeline for this future vote is set for November 2026, although this is subject to the school board’s confirmation. The anticipated bond may address ongoing facility needs within the Wichita School District, emphasizing the importance of securing adequate funding to improve educational environments for students.
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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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