WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Students in Wichita will be returning in just 20 days; Wichita Public Schools are preparing for a school year filled with transformation and new ideas. Superintendent Dr. Kelly Bielefeld outlined several key developments on Friday, including two new academic assistance programs, a new athletic opportunity, and an ongoing commitment to student achievement and diversity.
A major enhancement is the introduction of a new administrative position: Director of Partnership and Belonging. This role continues the work of the late Dr. William Polite and seeks to “offer strategic guidance to create an environment of inclusion, unity, and collective accountability within Wichita Public Schools.”
“Reflecting extensively on Will and his identity as an individual, as well as the contributions he made to the district, we spent a lot of time considering how to preserve that legacy and continue advancing the positive initiatives he began, both within our school district and the broader community,” Bielefeld stated.
During an active inquiry regarding grade manipulation at a Wichita high school, Bielefeld also discussed the district’s graduation guidelines. He highlighted that approximately 98% of credits obtained last year were from genuine coursework, not credit recovery initiatives.
To better assist students in their journey toward earning a degree, two new programs will begin this fall.
The initial program is Night School at West High, an after-school initiative designed to assist students in completing their academic work and remaining on schedule.
Another effort is the “School Within a School” program at South High. This initiative targets sophomores who might be struggling academically at the beginning of their high school experience.
A new milestone for the district: girls’ flag football. Supported by the Kansas City Chiefs and the Chiefs Flag Football League, the sport will begin this fall at all Wichita public high schools. The Chiefs are supplying uniforms, flags, coaching stipends, and additional materials.
Regarding worries about federal funding delays, particularly for ESOL and other programs, Bielefeld states that the district’s reserve funds are sufficient to prevent staff reductions if necessary. The U.S. Department of Education announced on Friday afternoon that it will distribute billions in previously held back grant funds.
In-person registration for Wichita Public Schools will take place on Monday and Tuesday, with new staff members starting on Friday, August 1. The opening day of the school year is scheduled for August 12.
