Skip To Main Content

district-nav

right-container

right-top-container

mobile-main-nav

header-portals-nav

header-container

logo-container

logo-image

logo-image-district

logo-title

right-container

right-top-container

search-container

header-portals-nav

district-nav

fs-weglot-container-desktop

horizontal-nav

Breadcrumb

School Board Appreciation Month

School Board Appreciation Month

January is School Board Appreciation Month, and Wichita Public Schools would like to take this opportunity to recognize and express heartfelt gratitude to our seven dedicated Board of Education members - Stan Reeser (Board President), Diane Albert (Board Vice President), Kathy Bond, Julie Hedrick, Melody McCray-Miller, Hazel Stabler, and Ngoc Vuong.  These individuals volunteer their time, energy, and expertise to serve our district, and their commitment to education is invaluable.

The role of a school board member is often challenging and demanding, requiring countless hours.  As the largest school district in the state of Kansas, Wichita’s school board is responsible for serving more than 47,000 students, and more than 8,000 full and part-time employees.  From approving the district’s annual budget of over $966 million, to setting policies that guide our 85 schools, our school board members ensure that every WPS student receives the support and resources needed to succeed.  Their efforts help maintain the highest standards in education and ensure that Wichita Public Schools continues to grow and meet the diverse needs of our community.

In December 2023, the Board approved a comprehensive five-year strategic plan, providing a clear and actionable roadmap for success. Wichita Public Schools is deeply committed to preparing every student for success in life, college, and careers through an innovative and impactful educational experience. This mission is driven by the leadership and dedication of our school board, whose decisions shape the district’s direction and priorities.

The plan is grounded in six core beliefs—student success, safety and belonging, family and community collaboration, visionary leadership, the common good, and equity and diversity—and aims to inspire every student to thrive and become future-ready for life, college, and career.

The vision of Wichita Public Schools is to be the district of choice, inspiring students and staff alike to thrive and prepare for a successful future within the greater community. This vision reflects the Board’s steadfast commitment to creating a positive and transformative educational experience for all students. Our Board members are dedicated advocates for the future of our community, working tirelessly to increase academic achievement and the graduation rate; prepare students for life, college and career; and create and enhance safety and belonging.

Some actions the Board took this past year to support the district’s Strategic Plan included approving a memorandum of understanding for a Verizon Innovative Learning Lab grant that provides students with equitable access to technology, increasing funding for safety and security construction projects at various district sites in the amount of $2,951,343 to add controlled access entrances with intercoms, and approving the purchase of K-12 math intervention curriculum, among other district enhancements.  We are very fortunate to have our board members who are committed to preparing each student to achieve readiness for life, college and career through an innovative and impactful educational experience. 

Thank you to our Wichita Public Schools Board of Education members, for your service; dedication to our students and staff; and leadership to achieve Wichita Public Schools’ vision of excellence in education.

 

View More News