Teacher shortages fueled by retirements and teacher burnout continue to plague school districts across the country. Wichita Public Schools began the 2022-23 school year on Aug. 15 short 100 teachers. That represents about 2.5% of all positions, better than the statewide vacancy rate of 4%. The causes of the shortage are baby-boomer retirement, increased stress […]
USD 259
Posted inCivic Engagement, Education
Black activists in Wichita lead the way in USD 259 school board voting reform
Currently, five of seven school board members want to put school board election reform before voters. Diane Albert of District 1 and Hazel Stabler of District 6 currently do not believe the question is worth putting on the ballot.
Posted inEducation
August means back-to-school in Wichita. Here are local events to get you ready.
School is just about to begin in Wichita, and there are many things to get done: school meal forms, supplies shopping, vaccinations and more must be completed before the 2022-2023 school year begins. Here is a list of events that parents and students might enjoy or find helpful as the final days of summer bring […]
Posted inCivic Engagement, Education
Latest school board redistricting would split historically Black neighborhoods in Wichita
“I think we are at a place now where each district needs to select its own representation,” Jackson said. “And then, if we become smarter, we can get better on how to share the power.”
Posted inEducation
“I’ve spent $5,000 on my classroom in a year”: Wichita group steps up to fight out-of-pocket costs for teachers
“Teachers have been expected to give and give and give to our students,” Fortier said. “And we are told we should do it for the kids because we love the kids. We shouldn’t worry about the paycheck or the overtime or the time spent away from our own families and kids.”
Posted inEducation
How Wichita school safety plans address intruders
“Not too long ago we had the local police come in and train teachers,” said Nathan Washer, head of Wichita Collegiate School. “They were shown how to use whatever they could find to keep someone away from their students.”
Posted inDIY Democracy, Education, How To
Here is how to get involved with and understand your Wichita public school’s budget
“I hope that people don’t feel intimidated to get involved,” said Stan Reeser, president of the Wichita Board of Education. “It’s our job to listen to what they say, they’re the boss.”
Posted inEducation, How To
Universal free school lunch is gone in USD 259, but here’s how to find out if you still qualify
Before the pandemic, Wichita schools operated under a system that allowed parents to apply for free or reduced-cost meals. USD 259 will be using this same system once again, but this time it’s only for lunches.
Posted inEducation
How does Wichita Public Schools spend an average $15,000 per student?
Jennifer Owen helps nonverbal students find their voices. The speech pathologist for Wichita Public Schools specializes in augmentative and alternative communications, helping students with trouble speaking, reading or communicating their thoughts to do just that. She does her work with tools, often expensive ones, like tablets that help students with word and image icons. She’s […]