In Wichita, Kansas, about half a dozen public schools are set to close at the end of the school year due to declining enrollment and a significant budget shortfall. Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld stated that between four to seven schools will likely be closed, with the school board expected to vote on the closures before spring break in March. The district is facing a $42 million budget gap, and closing buildings is seen as the only solution to prevent job cuts.
The district’s chief financial officer, Susan Willis, highlighted the challenges faced by Wichita schools, including limited resources spread thin over 90-plus schools, declining enrollment since 2016, and the need for over $1.2 billion in building repairs and maintenance. Consultants hired by the district pointed out that nearly half of Wichita’s elementary schools have fewer than 350 students, making them inefficient and costly to maintain. Factors such as enrollment trends, building condition, staffing levels, and location within the district will influence the decision on which schools to close.
The closure of schools in Wichita is an effort to address the budget shortfall and consolidate resources, ultimately saving about $16 million and the equivalent of 230 teaching positions. The district also plans to scale back its AVID program and reallocate staff to ensure every student has a certified teacher. Despite the closures, there are no foreseen job cuts, as employees from closed buildings will be offered positions elsewhere in the district. The closures may be part of a larger consolidation plan, with options for a districtwide facilities master plan set to be presented in May.
