Wichita schools face $42 million budget gap

Facing a large budget gap, Wichita will close some schools at the end of this school year. Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld said a number of factors will go into deciding which schools to close and consolidate, including enrollment trends, the building’s age and condition, staffing levels and a school’s location within the district.

January 25, 2024 - 2:23 PM

Wichita Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld says closing some elementary or middle schools is the only way to avoid massive job cuts. Photo by SUZANNE PEREZ/KANSAS NEWS SERVICE

WICHITA — About a half-dozen Wichita public schools will close for good at the end of the school year, as the district deals with declining enrollment and a massive budget shortfall.

Wichita Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld said four to seven schools will likely close. Officials plan to present a list to the school board at its next meeting Feb. 12, and board members plan to vote on closings before spring break in March.

Wichita faces a $42 million budget gap, and leaders say closing buildings is the only way to prevent job cuts.

Susan Willis, chief financial…

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