SchoolsWednesday, November 4
Wichita voters approve the $615 million school bond, the district's first since 2008
The Daily Wichita team
Wichita said "yes, yes." Voters in the district chose yes on both questions by about 60%, and KWCH says the $615 million measure will pay for building improvements across USD 259 campuses.
The bond passed after a 2025 loss by about 300 votes
- $615 million
- bond issue Wichita voters approved Tuesday
- about 60%
- voted yes on both questions
- 18 years
- since Wichita last passed a bond issue
- about 300
- votes that sank a $450 million bond in February 2025
Source: KMUW
In February 2025, voters rejected a $450 million proposal. This time the district held community feedback sessions in April and split the ask into two questions. Question 2 could pass only if Question 1 did. Together they pay to rebuild and renovate more than 15 district facilities.
- Last bond before this one: 2008
- Yes campaign: "Vote Yes-Yes 4 Wichita Kids," launched in August
- No campaign: "Improve Learning First," launched in October
"We learned that we needed a more specific plan," Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld said of the 2025 loss. Opponents argued the district should raise test scores before building.
Sources: KMUW, KWCH, Wichita Eagle