Wichita Public Schools

This document outlines the approach to capital funding and bond financing required to support the Facilities Master Plan for Wichita Public Schools. The plan aims to create a financially sustainable portfolio of schools with high-quality learning environments by increasing utilization, rebuilding and renovating facilities for modern learning, addressing current conditions, and gaining operational efficiencies through consolidation. The overarching vision is to establish the Wichita Public Schools as the premier district of choice, fostering student and staff readiness for the future within the wider community.

This document serves as an update related to a 2024-2029 Strategic Plan focused on student success, specifically detailing progress and next steps in elementary reading. The overall goal is to increase academic achievement and graduation rates, with an interim objective to decrease the percentage of 3rd graders identified as high risk in reading by May 2026. Key areas of focus include implementing LETRS application and core instruction, school improvement planning with frequent checks, fostering professional collaboration, utilizing KITE common assessments, and continuing five-year plan development and professional learning.

This workshop overview reviews the goals of a Facilities Master Plan (FMP), outlining its role in driving staffing priorities and operational efficiencies. The plan aims to improve the learning experience by fostering comfortable, digitally-resourced, and flexible environments, increase facility utilization through healthy class sizes, and achieve operational efficiencies via sustainable and equitable staffing. It also addresses strategies for promoting healthy enrollment, leveraging consolidation, and managing concerns related to increased enrollment due to school closures.

This strategic plan outlines the mission of the Wichita Public Schools Student Board, which serves as the student extension of the school board, representing student voices from every school. Its strategic pillars include Community Outreach, Drug & Mental Health, and Policy, addressing critical issues such as drug awareness, school policy, and community engagement. The board aims to create a safer and more inclusive district for all students by bridging the gap between schools and the community, advocating for prevention strategies, and representing diverse student perspectives on critical school matters.

This strategic plan for Wichita Public Schools outlines goals and a roadmap to become a premier district of choice, inspiring students and staff to thrive and be future-ready. The plan focuses on three key student success outcomes: increasing academic achievement and graduation rates, preparing students for life, college, and career, and enhancing safety and belonging within the school community. Specific targets include achieving an 85% graduation rate, 50% of students earning five or more postsecondary assets, and 90% of students feeling safe and connected by 2029.