Wichita, Kansas, August 14, 2025
News Summary
Despite the recent setback of a $450 million bond vote failure, Wichita School District (USD 259) is moving forward with its Facility Master Plan. Key changes include transforming Isely Elementary into a K-8 institution and closing four elementary schools by 2027, including L’Ouverture, OK, Pleasant Valley, and Woodland. The district has secured alternative funding for these transitions and aims to notify parents about the closures by fall. An incentive program for teachers affected by the changes is also being implemented.
Wichita, Kansas – The Wichita School District (USD 259) is moving forward with aspects of its Facility Master Plan despite the recent failure of a $450 million bond vote. Significant changes are on the horizon, including the transition of Isely Elementary in Bel Aire to a kindergarten through eighth grade (K-8) school, which has begun its rollout with sixth graders returning to class.
According to Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld, the district has secured alternative funding to facilitate the K-8 transition, advancing plans that were initially reliant on the bond. Principal Allison Renner indicated that this transition is designed to strengthen community connections for the students involved.
However, the district will still implement previously announced school closures irrespective of the failed bond vote. Four elementary schools—L’Ouverture, OK, Pleasant Valley, and Woodland—are slated for closure by 2027. Notifications regarding these closures are expected to reach parents by fall, contingent on school board approval, though the exact timeline for these closures remains unspecified.
Teachers at the affected schools are preparing for transitions, with many seeking clarity and resources regarding the decision-making process. The closure schedule indicates that OK and Pleasant Valley elementary schools will close in the spring of 2027, while L’Ouverture and Woodland are set to close in the spring of 2028. This closure timeline allows for a gradual adjustment for both students and staff.
An incentive program for teachers is in place, offering a $1,500 bonus in the first year, which increases by $500 annually, reaching a maximum of $3,000 in the fourth year. However, educators at OK and Pleasant Valley will not qualify for the fourth-year bonus, as their schools will be closed by that time.
Kathy Johnson, a music teacher at L’Ouverture, has acknowledged the challenges posed by the impending closure but expressed appreciation for the clearer communication provided by the district compared to prior years. As the closure approaches, she is considering retirement, particularly in light of the infrastructure issues her school has faced.
After L’Ouverture’s closure, students are expected to transition to nearby Mueller and Spaight elementary schools. Looking ahead, the district is contemplating a new bond issue for voters, with a suggested timeline for the vote anticipated in November 2026, pending confirmation from the school board.
Key Changes in the Wichita School District
- Isely Elementary transitions to a K-8 school.
- USD 259 has secured funding to proceed with the transitions despite the failed bond vote.
- Four elementary schools to close by 2027: L’Ouverture, OK, Pleasant Valley, and Woodland.
- Notification regarding school closures expected by fall 2023.
- Bonuses for teachers outlined in a stepwise increase over four years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What schools are closing in the Wichita School District?
Four elementary schools—L’Ouverture, OK, Pleasant Valley, and Woodland—are expected to close by 2027.
When will notifications about the closures be sent to parents?
Notifications regarding school closures are anticipated to be sent to parents by fall 2023, pending school board approval.
Will teachers at closing schools receive bonuses?
Teachers will receive bonuses that start at $1,500 in the first year and increase yearly, but those at OK and Pleasant Valley elementary schools will not qualify for the fourth-year bonus.
What changes are happening at Isely Elementary?
Isely Elementary is transitioning to a kindergarten through eighth grade school, with sixth grade students already returning to classes.
Will there be another bond vote in the future?
Yes, the district is planning a new bond issue, with a potential vote recommended for November 2026, subject to school board confirmation.
Overview of School Changes in Wichita
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Facilitated Transition | K-8 school at Isely Elementary |
| School Closures | Four elementary schools to close by 2027 |
| Notification Timeline | By fall 2023 |
| Teacher Bonus Plan | $1,500 first-year bonus; increases by $500 annually, maxing at $3,000 in year four |
| New Bond Issue Vote | Projected 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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