Talk about possible Wichita school closures has been going on behind the scenes since 2018, but most residents heard about it for the first time in January.
The six buildings to be closed at the end of the school year — Clark, Cleaveland Magnet, Park and Payne elementary schools and Hadley and Jardine Magnet middle schools — were named last week.
A $263 million infusion of federal pandemic relief funds allowed the district to put off tough conversations about rightsizing for several years, but now USD 259 is facing a $42 million budget shortfall and seeking efficiencies. Officials say shuttering schools would save an estimated $16 million.
The closings are slated for a school board vote on March 4. A public hearing will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 29 at the Alvin Morris Administrative Center, 903 S. Edgemoor.
With the process moving along quickly, The Eagle asked readers what questions they still have about the proposal. Here’s what they are wondering. Where readers gave permission, their names are included along with their questions.