SchoolsThursday, November 5
Wichita voters approve the $615 million school bond, the district's first win since 2008
The Daily Wichita team
If you have a child in Wichita Public Schools, Tuesday's vote touches you. Voters passed both questions of the $615 million bond, the district's first successful bond issue since 2008, with nearly 62% yes on the first and about 60% on the second.
Question one is $407.1 million for several school rebuilds and a new FutureReady center. Question two is $207.9 million for more work, including rebuilding Adams Elementary. Staff at Black Elementary say they have a pretty good idea of what their new building should be.
- Bonds: expected to be issued starting in 2027
- District expects to finalize project timeline early next semester
- Horace Mann move: as soon as summer 2027
On your tax bill, KAKE says the bond adds $50 a year on a $200,000 home. The district is also working out two possible land swaps with the City of Wichita to rebuild Adams Elementary at Claude Lamb Park and McLean Elementary at Columbine Park.
The bond moves from a narrow loss to a 2027 start
- Feb. 2025A Wichita school bond proposal failed by a narrow margin.
- Nov. 3Voters approve both questions of the $615 million bond.
- Summer '27Horace Mann K-8 could move to the former Hadley Middle School building.
- 2027Bonds are expected to be issued starting in 2027.
Sources: Wichita Eagle, KMUW
Sources: KAKE, KSN.com, Wichita Eagle, KMUW