News Summary
Despite a failed bond measure, the Wichita School District is advancing its Facility Master Plan. The district plans to transition Isely Elementary School to a K-8 model and announce the closure of four elementary schools by 2028. Teacher incentives are introduced to retain staff during the transition, and another bond vote is planned for 2026 to secure further funding for projects.
Wichita School District Continues Facility Improvements Despite Bond Vote Failure and Announces School Closures
The Wichita School District, known as USD 259, is moving forward with key aspects of its Facility Master Plan even after a recent bond measure aimed at funding renovations and new constructions failed to pass. Despite the setback, district officials are implementing certain improvements and announcing the closure of several schools over the coming years.
Advancement of the Facility Master Plan and School Transition
One of the significant developments includes the transition of Isely Elementary School in Bel Aire into a kindergarten through eighth grade (K-8) school. This change allows students from Isely to stay in the same school community through their elementary and middle school years. Isely Elementary welcomed its sixth-grade students back into the building on Wednesday as part of this transition.
The district’s Superintendent, Kelly Bielefeld, confirmed that funding allocated independently from the failed bond measure has made it possible to move forward with the K-8 plan at Isely. This decision aims to enhance the educational experience by promoting stronger community connections and continuity for students.
School Closures on the Horizon
In addition to the renovations and repurposing of existing schools, the district has announced plans to close four elementary schools as part of its long-term restructuring. The schools set to close are L’Ouverture, OK, Pleasant Valley, and Woodland. These closures are scheduled to occur by the spring of 2027 for OK and Pleasant Valley, and by spring 2028 for L’Ouverture and Woodland.
District officials indicate that notifications regarding the closures will be sent to affected families by the fall semester, subject to approval from the school board. However, the exact timelines for the closures beyond these dates remain undecided, with Superintendent Bielefeld stating that a definitive schedule has not yet been established.
Impacts on Teachers and Students
Teachers working at the schools slated for closure are preparing for a transition period and are awaiting further resource allocations and communication from district administrators. Affected staff members, such as music teacher Kathy Johnson at L’Ouverture, have expressed mixed feelings—acknowledging the emotional impact of the closures while appreciating the clarity of the district’s timeline.
Johnson noted she is considering retirement after the closure of L’Ouverture, citing concerns about school infrastructure. She also indicated that students from the closing schools will likely transfer to nearby elementary schools like Mueller and Spaight.
Teacher Incentives and Future Voter Actions
As part of the district’s efforts to retain staff during these transitions, a bonus plan has been introduced. Eligible teachers at schools remaining open can receive a $1,500 first-year bonus, with annual increases of $500, reaching a maximum of $3,000 in the fourth year. However, teachers at schools scheduled to close, such as OK and Pleasant Valley, will not qualify for the bonus after the initial year.
Looking ahead, district officials indicate that voters may be asked to approve another bond measure in November 2026. This upcoming vote could potentially fund additional projects or renovations, depending on the outcome and the district’s priorities.
Summary of Actions and Future Considerations
The district continues to progress with its Facility Master Plan despite the recent bond vote failure, focusing on beneficial school reforms and addressing infrastructure needs through other funding avenues. The announced school closures aim to streamline resources and improve educational facilities, with plans for smooth transitions communicated to staff and families. The decision to seek voter approval again in late 2026 highlights ongoing efforts to support district growth and modernization in the coming years.
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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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