WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The Wichita Public Schools staff is recommending the closure of two middle schools and four elementary schools as a way to save the district money.
The middle schools are Hadley, and Jardine STEM and Career Explorations Academy. The elementary schools are Clark, Park, Payne, and Cleaveland Traditional Magnet Elementary School.
Wichita Public Schools Financial Director Susan Willis announced the schools during Monday night’s Board of Education meeting.
Staff considered many factors when choosing which schools to recommend for closure, including enrollment declines, the condition of the buildings, and proximity to schools that have room for new students.
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WPS Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld said Hadley has fewer than 500 students who will be impacted by the change. Jardine has fewer than 575 students. He said the elementary schools have less than 350 students.
The BOE plans to hold a public hearing on Feb. 29 and then vote on the closures on March 4.