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School Highlights: Points of Pride:
Martin Libhart named interim superintendent
 Martin Libhart, Chief Operations Officer with the Wichita Public Schools, has been named the district’s interim superintendent. Libhart’s appointment was approved unanimously by the Wichita Board of Education on Monday, April 14, and will begin immediately as he works closely with Superintendent Winston Brooks to develop a leadership transition plan.
“Winston has been an incredible superintendent, bringing stability, rising test scores and credibility within our community. We can never thank him enough for what he has done for Wichita’s children, but it’s time now to pass on the baton,” said BOE President Connie Dietz. “Martin is the ideal leader to take on this challenge and lead the team that will continue carrying our district forward. The future is bright, and we’re ready to move into it.”
“I am simply honored to have this opportunity to lead the district during this critical time of leadership transition,” said Libhart. “I have devoted the last 20 years of my career to the Wichita Public Schools, and am personally committed to our continuing progress. We have much to accomplish in the coming year, including our phase-out of the busing for desegregation plan, the ongoing effort to educate voters regarding critical needs in our proposed bond issue, and most important – our continued gains in student achievement.”
Libhart will work with Superintendent Brooks for the next several months as Brooks completes his 10-year tenure in the district. Libhart will serve as interim superintendent until the Board appoints a new superintendent. That search process got underway on April 11 during the Board’s discussion with Dr. Michael Casserly, and is expected to take 6 to 9 months. It is anticipated that a new superintendent would start in the top leadership spot at the beginning of the 2009-10 school year.
“Martin’s appointment as interim superintendent is an excellent selection,” said Superintendent Winston Brooks. “We have worked together in this district for 20 years, and he is well respected for his work. We’ve got an extremely strong staff leadership team, and I look forward to working with Martin to develop a transition plan that will continue moving this district ahead.”
Because Libhart does not currently possess a district level leadership certificate, the district is working with the Kansas State Department of Education for a restricted certificate as permitted by the department.
Libhart plans to return to his post as COO at the conclusion of this interim appointment.
Those interested in receiving future email updates on the superintendent's search can subscribe on the district's web site.
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Fact Check - get the facts about the bond issue
Getting the correct information about the district's bond issue is as easy as going on the district's website. Answers to frequently asked questions and clarification of information are part of the bond issue information posted on the district's web site. The information posted is updated on a regular basis. Some of the information posted are clarifications, including:
- The cost of safe rooms: The bond issue will support the construction of 60 safe rooms. The safe
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Adams Elementary students jump rope during P.E. class in the school's multipurpose room, which is also a safe room. Photo by Susan Arensman | rooms will be built as multipurpose rooms, classroom suites, or libraries. In order to receive funding from FEMA for safe room construction, school districts must use their own funds for basic construction. FEMA then provides funds to reinforce that area to meet FEMA tornado-safe standards. The cost of construction for the safe rooms to the district is $60 million, while FEMA pays $15 million to harden the safe rooms. The total cost is $75 million. It is also a FACT that many of the new fine arts and physical education spaces in the 2008 bond issue will be reinforced as FEMA safe room storm shelters.
- The bond issue will NOT support salaries: It is a FACT that the money from the bond issue proposal can only be used for facility improvements. No staff salaries can be, nor will be, paid for through the bond issue.
- The district is using all available classroom space: It is a FACT that capacity figures do not reflect the Board of Education’s commitment to reduced class sizes. If the district were to be at 100% capacity district-wide, class sizes would be unacceptably high. This is exactly what is occurring in the northeast and southeast areas of Wichita being targeted for new buildings in the 2008 bond issue.
- The bond issue will maximize the community's investment: It is a FACT that the bond issue triggers additional funding available to support our schools, on top of the bond issue funds:
- $171 million in capital outlay – will be used to support facility improvements that are not in the bond issue plan. The money is already in the district’s budget. However, if the bond issue isn’t approved, the projects currently slated to be funded out of capital will likely not occur since that money would need to be redirected to more critical needs.
- $15 million in FEMA grants – that would go towards “hardening” of spaces to be used as of safe rooms.
- State would pay 25% - Under Kansas law, Wichita taxpayers contribute tax dollars each year to help school districts throughout the state build and remodel their schools. Each year, Wichita tax dollars have been used by districts across the state to renovate and expand facilities. The bond issue plan will allow Wichitans to benefit, as the state will pay 25 percent of the total cost— $87.5 million plus corresponding interest.
- $40 million (est.) in new facilities weighting – The state provides additional funding for two years to support districts which construct new spaces in the form of new facilities weighting. As a result of the 2000 bond issue, our district received approximately $33 million from this resource. It is estimated that the 2008 bond issue will provide $40 million in additional funding.
For more frequently asked questions, click here.
The $350 million bond issue will construct additional classrooms to reduce class sizes and accommodate growth in key areas of our community; support the end of busing for desegregation with renovations to schools in the AAA area to provide equitable facilities, build 60 safe room storm shelters and renovate or rebuild aging and unsafe fine arts, physical education and athletic facilities.
It's about Our Children, Our Needs, and Our Future!
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Summer school and latchkey information online
Information about summer school offerings and school age (Latchkey) programs is available on the district's website. Enrollment for summer school courses begins April 21. Enrollment for school age programs will begin May 1. Enrollment for driver's education begins May 3. Enrollment for summer enrichment programs at Gammon and McCollom is underway.
For more information, including summer school course offerings and school age program sites, click here.
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Foreign Language Summer Camp offered
Students in grades 4 – 7 have the opportunity to learn about different countries and cultures during Foreign Language Summer Camp. The goal of the camp is to expose students to two different foreign languages and cultures while having fun. The camp is offered free of charge.
There are two different sessions offered. Students can enroll in either or both sessions.
- Session One: French and Spanish
June 2 – 6, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Session Two: German and Chinese
July 14 – 18, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Both sessions will be held at Mayberry Cultural and Fine Arts Magnet, 207 S. Sheridan and will be taught by district foreign language teachers.
To enroll, call 973-4410 by May 23.
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Bryant students show support for police officer
Kindergartners in Jill Hunter’s class at Bryant Core Knowledge Magnet had a very special guest on April 11. The Wichita Police Officer who was shot last month paid them a visit.
The students had been writing him “thank you” cards and “get well” cards since he was shot near the Wichita Area Technical College. The students had also made the officer a book that they wrote and illustrated themselves. They asked him questions about the incident, and told him they were thankful that he was alive.
“We are teaching our students to be kind and compassionate, and this is a perfect way for our students to show it,” Hunter said.
The officer, whose name isn’t being released publicly, also brought treats for the children. He gave them cookies and doughnuts for their trip to the zoo later that day.
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Brooks to celebrate 50th anniversary
Brooks Technology and Arts Magnet will celebrate its 50th anniversary on May 1. Current and former students, teachers, staff and community are invited for dinner and activities from 5 – 9 p.m.
Activities include a basketball game with alumni players, a special program and an opportunity for people to get reacquainted.
Click here for a complete schedule of events and more information, or call Brooks at 973-6450.
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Earhart hosts open house to say good-bye to old school
Earhart Environmental Magnet is hosting an open house to allow former staff, students, parents and community members to say good-bye to the old school. The open house will be Sunday, May 4, 2 - 4 p.m. at 4401 N. Arkansas. Guests are invited to tour the old building, socialize and reminisce. The old school is being replaced by a state-of-the-art environmentally conscious building. The new Earhart will open its doors to students in the fall.
The new Earhart is being built on the same property. After the school is complete, the original school will be demolished to make room for parking and more outdoor learning opportunities.
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Five schools test new online employee directory
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| Northeast Magnet principal Joel Hudson and secretary Sybil Sanusi provide feedback on the district’s new Online Directory. Photo by Susan Kelley-Linder | For the past month, five schools have taken part in a pilot project to test the district’s new Online Directory. This new tool will allow employees to view contact information for co-workers online, including building phone numbers and home address and phone numbers.
The new Online Directory will be available through the district’s internal portal site and from home when using Web VPN. Personal information will not be posted on the district’s website. District-wide roll out of the Online Directory is expected in early May.
The Online Directory is not expected to replace the existing paper directory but employees will soon discover the benefits of using the electronic version. As employees move from building to building or change their home contact information, updates can be made quickly to the Online Directory so information will be more accurate.
Schools taking part in the pilot project include Cloud and Mueller Elementary Schools, Pleasant Valley Middle School, and Northeast Magnet and South High Schools. One designated employee at each school was able to view and edit the contact information for their building’s staff, and then share suggested improvements with Management Information Services.
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Phone number change for SubFinder
The phone number for SubFinder has been changed. The new number, 973-4774, is now in use. The old SubFinder number will be disabled on July 1.
Employees who use SubFinder are encouraged to start using the new phone number now.
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Reservations due for retirement/longevity banquet
The district will recognize longtime employees at a special banquet on May 5 at the Hyatt Regency. Invitations were sent to all emplo | |