Editor’s note: We updated this story on Dec. 20 to show that Truc Dao and Andrew Le are director and vice director of Students Empowerment, respectively, and members of ICTeens in Mind. One of the things Truc Dao has relearned in 20 months of high school during the pandemic is how to catch her breath. […]
Wichita
Posted inLocal Government
What eliminating the food tax could mean for Wichitans
In early November, Gov. Laura Kelly announced a major initiative: “Axe the Food Tax.” The plan would eliminate the state sales tax on groceries. Efforts to squash or reduce this 6.5% tax on food items have been ongoing since at least 2015. But with the opposing parties both signaling their support for removing the tax, […]
Posted inLocal Government
Why has Wichita removed 189 bus stops in 2021?
When Cindy Coss picked Dodge Literacy Magnet Elementary for her son, a huge draw was the bus stop three blocks away from the school. “‘It was like, ‘Yay,’” Coss said, when they learned of the bus stop at Maple and Bebe streets. Coss can’t drive due to epilepsy. She relies on the city bus system […]
Posted inEducation
How you can snag a spot for your student at one of Wichita’s magnet schools
Students are wrapping up the fall semester at Wichita USD 259, but enrollment for the 2022-23 school year is already starting for the district’s 24 magnet schools. The district’s magnet program offers schools that focus on subjects like science, leadership and performing arts, with some specializing even further into fields like aerospace engineering and health […]
Posted inLocal Government
‘It hasn’t gotten the focus and attention it should’: How Sedgwick County redistricting will impact Hispanic residents
Araceli Amador is concerned about Sedgwick County’s redistricting process. She’s worried that her community, largely made up of Spanish speakers in southwest Wichita, has not been sufficiently included in the county’s redistricting efforts. The process began in the fall and concludes with a vote on the final maps Wednesday. The result will be new boundaries […]
Posted inWatchdog
A child in crisis died in juvenile custody. How can Wichita prevent it from happening again?
Update: Sedgwick County corrections employees involved in the death of Cedric “C.J.” Lofton won’t face criminal charges, District Attorney Marc Bennett said during a press conference on Jan. 18, 2022. Lofton, 17, died after becoming unresponsive as Department of Corrections staff restrained him face-down for over 30 minutes. An autopsy ruled Lofton’s death a homicide. […]
Posted inEducation
A KU Wichita Pediatrics pilot program brings health care into schools, and it’s keeping students in class
Editor’s note: We updated this story on Dec. 8 to clarify that Krista Weaver is an advanced practice registered nurse. On Dec. 9, the story was updated to clarify that KU Wichita Pediatrics operates the school-based clinics. There’s no telling who or what Krista Weaver will see every day in her classroom-turned-clinic in Haysville USD […]
Posted inLocal Government
An affordable housing fund is on the horizon in Wichita. Here’s what that means.
December Markham’s kids grew up in the house she rents from the city of Wichita. Over the years, though, she’s seen it deteriorate. An unreliable heater. Flooring that is starting to peel, revealing nails that threaten her feet. She’s concerned that mold is growing on her bedroom wall. “I like my house,” Markham said. “There’s […]
Posted inLocal Government
Why $161 million in local COVID relief still hasn’t been spent
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Heartspring — a nonprofit that provides services and education to children with special needs and developmental disabilities — spent $109,000 on personal protective equipment and cleaning equipment. They paid $1.24 million in COVID-related personnel costs. They’ve also lost $170,000 to rescheduled, modified or canceled events and $2.12 million in revenue when the […]
Posted inEducation
How to find your student’s Kansas state assessment scores and what they mean
Kansas teachers, education leaders and policymakers use Kansas Assessment Program data to inform decisions on how to address education challenges. Parents can also use the state assessment scores to understand how their students are doing. The Wichita Beacon has put together a guide on how parents can access state assessment scores for their students, and […]