School Highlights: Points of Pride:
Board of Education votes to put bond issue on ballot
The Wichita Board of Education approved a resolution authorizing a bond election on May 6, 2008. The $350 million bond issue would address many needs including:
- additional classrooms to accommodate growth and create smaller class sizes;
- build six new schools including two high schools;
- upgrade fine arts and athletic facilities;
- and would support the end of busing for desegregation with renovations to schools in the AAA area.
A $350 million bond issue would mean $40.25 a year on a $100,000 home. Click here to see a summary report presented to the Board on February 11.
“The kids who attend the Wichita Public Schools deserve state-of-the-art facilities,” said Superintendent Winston Brooks. “The odds are really good that our students will be running this community in the future and we need to give them the best education possible in the best facilities.”
"I know our community supports children," said Board of Education President Connie Dietz. "I would invite people to come to our buildings and see the needs."
"If we aren't investing in our children and investing in our community, what are we investing in?" asked Lanora Nolan. "The problems will still be there and if we don't correct them, they will be bigger in the future."
"Public education is not 'what's in it for me' it's 'what's in it for us,'" said Board of Education Vice President Lynn Rogers. "Generations before us have paid for us and our children to grow and be successful, and now it's our turn."
A Community Steering Team identified district-wide needs ranging between $468 – $533 million. The Board pared it down to $350 million. The remaining needs would be addressed by capital outlay funds and the district would apply for $12 - $15 million in funds from FEMA for safe rooms.
More information on the Facilities Master Plan can be found on the district’s website.
Top
Educate, don't advocate: Do's and Don'ts for staff
With the Wichita Public Schools Board of Education’s recent vote to put a bond issue on the ballot, staff is asking what activities they can and cannot participate in during the time leading up to the public's May 6 vote.
The general rule is that school district staff may educate voters, but they may not advocate a particular position. Simply put, staff can provide factual information regarding the bond issue, but in doing so they may not advocate a yes or no vote. Employees can advocate when acting as a private citizen, i.e., when not at work and off the district clock.
The Attorney General said school staff as to a bond election must maintain a "semblance of neutrality" regarding a bond issue.
Here are some examples of what you CAN do:
• Talk about the facility needs of your school
• Give tours of your building to community members
• Encourage people to register to vote
• Answer people's questions - as long as you don't advocate voting a certain way
• Talk about how the bond issue would impact your school and community
• Provide information to people or direct them to resources where they can get questions answered
• Allow students to participate in campaign activities as long as it is not during classroom time.
• Provide factual information to the media as long as it does not advocate a stance on the issue and you must provide information equally to people on both sides of the issue
• Talk about what the impact would be on your school and students if a bond issue is not approved
• Vote on May 6
Here is what you CAN'T do when you are acting in your official capacity as a staff member:
• As an employee serving on a site council, you can't take a position on the bond issue if membership on the site council is part of your employment. Non-school or non-district employees can take a position.
• You can't use district-owned equipment or materials for campaign activities where a yes or no vote will be advocated.
• You can't encourage the community to vote yes for the bond issue.
• You can't encourage the community to write letters to the editor, call the Opinion Line, etc. to support the bond issue.
• You can't wear buttons or pins promoting passage of the bond issue while at school or while otherwise acting as school staff.
Top
Bond support and information provided to employees
We know community members will be asking you about the upcoming bond election. Besides information posted on the website, Marketing and Communications will soon have customized information available to employees to help them educate parents, neighbors and community members about the bond issue. Informational material will be posted to the district’s portal site.
For more information or assistance, call Marketing and Communications 973-4515.
Top
Choices Fair is February 26
The 19th annual Wichita Public Schools' Choices Fair will be held Tuesday, February 26, 5 – 8 p.m. at Century II Exhibition Hall. Representatives from magnet schools, elementary, middle and high schools, special programs and a variety of district offices will be available to visit with parents about the educational options they have for their children. The Choices Fair gives parents and students the opportunity for “one-stop shopping” to see which school or program best meets their child’s education needs.
There will be people available at the Choices Fair to answer questions on Superintendent Winston Brooks' plan to end busing for desegregation that was approved by the Board of Education on Jan. 28. Priority magnet placement will be given to students who were bused for desegregation in the 2007-2008 school year, based on space availability.
Click here to download magnet school applications
Teachers, administrators meet with lawmakers
 |
| Terry Forsyth from KNEA talks with Wichita teachers and administrators about educational issues. Photo courtesy Diane Gjerstad |
A group of administrators, teachers and members of United Teachers of Wichita met with lawmakers in Topeka on February 12. They spent the day talking with local legislators and KNEA about issues that affect Wichita schools and student achievement. They also answered questions the legislators had of them.
Top
Future Educators learn about education options
 |
| Photo courtesy Shelly Martin |
High school students who are interested in becoming teachers participated in the first Future Educators of America College Day, held Feb. 12 at the Instructional Support Center. Ten colleges of education were represented. Students were able to get information about their post-secondary options and arrange campus visits.
Future Educators of America has clubs at six high schools and one middle school. With more teachers nearing retirement age, the district wants future teachers to think about the profession early.
Lisa McChesney from South High School and Nancy Bailey from West organized the College Day event.
Top
Metro-Midtown students rewarded for achievements
 |
| Student Brenda Tavares with principal Michael Bruce, left, and Johnnie Cartledge, plant manager at Cessna's 21st Street campus. Photo courtesy Metro-Midtown |
Metro-Midtown Alternative High School honored students for their achievements during their annual Cessna Flying Colors Awards Ceremony, held on February 5. The Cessna Flying Colors program gives monetary incentives to students with good grades and attendance. Students are also required to make good lifestyle choices and perform 10 hours of community service. Cessna awards a check based on the amount of the students’ grades. Sophomore Brenda Tavares received the highest monetary award, receiving a check for $408.
Cessna has partnered with Metro-Midtown on the CFC program since 1993. Johnnie Cartledge, plant manager at Cessna's 21st Street campus, along with principal Michael Bruce presented the students with their certificates and checks. The total amount Cessna gave to students was $5238.25.
The following students received incentive awards: DeMarcus Addison, Isaiah Alexander-Arceneaux, Kiara Allen, Jalisa Armstrong, Victor Barrientos, Tanairal Brown, Jason Bruner, Felicia Burnett, Elizabeth Burton, Amanda Capps, Khiara Carter, Marion Chamberlain, Christyna Corner, Ricky Frazier, Ruth Galvez, Maria Hernandez, Ian Parr, Audra Perkins, Cayli Phillips, Demetrius Porter, Jessica Rivera, Willie Scott, LaRon Shaw, Lisa Shaw and Brenda Tavares.
Top
Excellence in Public Service deadline is Feb. 22
If you know of a district employee who goes beyond the call of duty, nominate him or her for the Excellence in Public Service Award to give them a chance to win $2,500. The Wichita Public Schools, the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County participate in the award program. An employee from each of these sectors will win. The deadline for submitting the nominations is February 22.
The award recognizes those who demonstrate the following attributes:
• Exemplary performance that has contributed to the public interest
• Innovative problem solving skills that improved work situations
• Adherence to high ethical standards in carrying out their job responsibilities
• Community involvement through participation in civic organizations.
The nomination form is available in the Marketing and Communications office at 201 N. Water, Room 525. To receive a copy, call 973-4515. The form is also available on the district's website or the Marketing and Communications' portal site. Nominations need to be delivered to the Marketing and Communications office by February 22.
The Excellence in Public Service Award is underwritten by the DeVore Foundation.
Top
Recognition given to retiring employees
District employees who are considering retirement this year are encouraged to meet with Pauline Casey, Retirement Specialist. This is to ensure employees are properly recognized for their contribution to the school district. Employees who are retiring and want to lock in the “bridge” must do so by the end of February. Retiring employees who do not qualify for the bridge but want to be recognized should meet with Casey by March 28.
Employees will receive an invitation to the district's Retirement and Longevity Banquet scheduled on May 5 and have their names printed in the special retirement edition of the Express.
For more information about retirement, call Pauline Casey at 973-4590 or email pcasey@usd259.net.
Top
Education EDGE mini-grants applications online