Wichita, August 14, 2025
News Summary
The Wichita School District continues to implement its Facility Master Plan despite a failed $450 million bond vote. Key projects include the transition of Isely Elementary to a K-8 school. While several closures of elementary schools will occur by 2027, the district is focusing on enhancing educational opportunities and maintaining community ties. A bonus plan for affected teachers and a proposed new bond vote in 2026 are also in the pipeline.
Wichita – The Wichita School District is moving forward with aspects of its Facility Master Plan following the recent failure of a $450 million bond vote. Despite the setback, the district has managed to identify funding for key projects, including the transition of Isely Elementary in Bel Aire to a kindergarten through eighth grade (K-8) school.
As part of this transition, sixth graders returned to Isely Elementary on Wednesday, which is anticipated to strengthen community ties and enhance educational opportunities for students. Principal Allison Renner has highlighted the benefits of this change, noting its potential to enrich student experiences.
Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld confirmed that the district’s plans will continue even in light of the bond vote’s unsuccessful outcome. However, several school closures announced during the bond campaign will still take place. Four elementary schools—L’Ouverture, OK, Pleasant Valley, and Woodland—are scheduled to close by 2027. Notifications regarding these closures will be sent to parents by fall, contingent upon school board approval.
The specific timeline for the closures remains unsettled. According to district officials, OK and Pleasant Valley elementary schools will close in spring 2027, followed by L’Ouverture and Woodland in spring 2028. Teachers at these schools are currently preparing for the impacts of these decisions and are awaiting clearer communication about resources and processes related to the planned closures.
Kathy Johnson, a music teacher at L’Ouverture, expressed a sense of sadness regarding the upcoming closure but acknowledged that she was somewhat prepared for the decision, having received prior information on potential closures. In light of the announcement, she is considering retirement following L’Ouverture’s closure.
Students from L’Ouverture are expected to transition to nearby Mueller and Spaight elementary schools after the closure takes effect. The district has also implemented a bonus plan for teachers affected by the closures. This plan offers a $1,500 bonus in the first year, increasing every year by $500 and capping at $3,000 in the fourth year. However, staff from OK and Pleasant Valley will not be eligible for the fourth-year bonus due to their schools being shut down.
Looking ahead, voters might have the opportunity to weigh in on another bond issue aimed at funding district projects next year. A proposed timeline for the new vote suggests November 2026 as the target date, pending confirmation from the school board.
The district’s efforts to advance its Facility Master Plan are crucial in addressing the ongoing needs of the schools and bolstering the educational frameworks in Wichita, particularly in light of the school closures.
FAQs
What is the Facility Master Plan in Wichita?
What schools are scheduled to close in Wichita?
How will the transitions affect students?
When will the next bond vote occur?
Key Features of the Facility Master Plan
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Failed Bond Vote | $450 million bond vote unsuccessful |
| School Closures | Four elementary schools set for closure by 2027 |
| Isely Transition | Transition to K-8 model commenced |
| Support for Teachers | Annual bonus plan of up to $3,000 offered |
| Next Bond Vote | Proposed for November 2026 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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