Superintendent and Staff Leadership

Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld has led Kansas’ largest and most diverse school district since July 1, 2023.

He joined Wichita Public Schools in 2020 as Executive Director of College and Career Readiness, championing access to rigorous pathways that open doors for every learner.

He brings more than two decades of public and parochial leadership experience from across South Central Kansas and is grounded in a deep commitment to standing in the gap for students.

Superintendent Bielefeld earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Kansas State University, a Master’s in Building Leadership from Wichita State University, and a District-Level Endorsement from Fort Hays State University.

For him, serving as the Superintendent of Wichita Public Schools is the greatest honor of his career. He believes that if you get to know WPS students, you will love them, and his leadership is driven by that conviction.

He is focused on ensuring all students – regardless of the neighborhood they live in or the school they attend – experience safe, well-resourced learning environments and benefit from opportunities that prepare them for success beyond graduation. He is committed to honoring taxpayer investment through strategic stewardship of district resources and facility improvements that protect safety, strengthen belonging, and accelerate learning.

Under Superintendent Bielefeld’s leadership, WPS has made measurable progress toward its strategic plan goals. Graduation rates continue to rise, supported by expanded access to FutureReady Centers, dual-credit programs, and workforce-readiness opportunities that help students build real-world skills. Research shows that earning a high school diploma significantly increases lifetime earning potential and reduces the likelihood of unemployment.

He has also prioritized a renewed, district-wide focus on early literacy, recognizing its impact on a child’s future. Third grade reading proficiency is one of the strongest predictors of long-term academic and economic success; studies show that students who are not proficient readers by the end of third grade are more likely to drop out of high school. This understanding fuels his advocacy for strong early childhood education and early intervention.

Beyond his work in WPS, Superintendent Bielefeld is actively engaged in the broader Wichita community. He collaborates with organizations including the Greater Wichita Partnership, Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Wichita YMCA, and the Wichita Rotary Club to support initiatives that strengthen the region’s talent pipeline and quality of life.

For Superintendent Bielefeld, Wichita Public Schools is both a professional mission and a personal calling. He and his wife, Angie, are proud parents of students attending elementary, middle, and high schools in WPS. This experience deepens his commitment to ensuring every child in Wichita is known, loved, and prepared for the future.