BOE passed 26-27 budget - 87% operating budget directly supports students

At its September 14, 2026, meeting, the Wichita Public Schools Board of Education passed its 26-27 budget. This budget is built around the framework of the strategic plan to prioritize student outcomes for academic growth, life readiness and graduation rate, as well as the state-required building needs assessments submitted by the schools.
 

"All of the budget is going through the lens of, 'Is this going to help us achieve our goals?'," said Chief Financial Officer Addi Lowell.
 

Approximately 87 percent of the operating budget goes directly into the classroom. The other 13 percent pays for facilities maintenance (8.2%), business support services (HR, finance, technology – 3.5%), general administration (1.2%) and other support services (0.1%).
 

School funding can be complex. Here’s what you need to know:

• The mill rate levied is flat compared to last year at 51.400 mills.
• A five-year capital improvement plan will guide the Capital Outlay Budget.
• The BOE approves a budget which gives staff the authority to spend up to that amount but does not require staff to spend the entire amount.
• Nearly 80 percent of funding received by WPS is restricted and must be used for its specific purpose.

Watch the BOE budget presentation.