Takeaways: Kansas lawmakers amended a bill Monday to prevent a possible hiring freeze at the Wichita school district. The bill adjusts how schools get funding. Current state law allows districts to use enrollment numbers from either of the past two academic years. Schools take the higher number because more students mean more state tax dollars. […]
Education
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Posted inEducation
Despite some parents’ pleas, Wichita USD 259 board votes for closing 6 schools
Wichita school board members voted 5-2 Monday to close six schools at the end of the academic year. USD 259 faces a $42 million budget deficit due to falling enrollment, the end of federal pandemic relief funds and a $1.2 billion maintenance backlog. Administrators estimate the district will save $16 million next year from shutting […]
Posted inEducation
Wichita plans to close 6 schools. Does the district’s math add up?
The Wichita school district faces a difficult math problem — how to close a $42 million budget shortfall without laying off any teachers or staff, the district’s largest expense. USD 259 is being put to the test by a state requirement to balance its budget, combined with less state funding driven by an 8.4% drop […]
Posted inEducation
One of the best things for a child traumatized by Kansas City’s mass shooting? Experts stress routine
Some children, the experts say, need to talk about their concerns. That, they say, needs to be balanced against dwelling too much on what happened or trying to force conversations that could backfire.
Posted inEducation
Six USD 259 schools will shutter in 2024 if the Wichita school board approves the plan
In making school closure recommendations, administrators focused on schools with low enrollment, bad building conditions and small classrooms, said Susan Willis, the district’s chief financial officer.
Posted inEducation, Kansas State Government
These bills could change funding, hiring and enrollment in Wichita Public Schools
What the Legislature does or doesn’t do this year will determine the flow of state tax dollars to Wichita Public Schools, the ultimate cost or savings of closing some schools and how Kansas might attract new educators to fix a teacher shortage.
Posted inEducation
Students need guidance on AI. Are Wichita schools ready?
Wichita-area schools know they need to figure out AI. How it could save teachers time or help students learn. How to avoid AI plagiarism. How to prepare students for a future where AI might be everywhere.
Posted inEducation, Kansas State Government
This mother wants an ADHD specialist in every Kansas school district
Takeaways: Lisa Reynolds pulled her son out of school because educators struggled to handle his symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. He was called a distraction. Or lazy. He regularly ran into disciplinary issues. Olathe Public Schools or online school — it didn’t make a difference. Special education teachers kept giving him failing grades, and […]
Posted inEducation
Wichita’s developing plan to close schools this year: 10 things to know
The call to close schools after the spring semester raises serious questions about what will happen to families, staff and buildings. Here’s what we know so far.
Posted inEducation
Know your rights: How to ensure a child with disabilities can get a better public education in Kansas
An appropriate public education can look different for each child, and parents have a huge role to play in determining which services their child may need.