Leavenworth USD 453 will close an estimated $2.55 million budget gap next year by closing Warren Intermediate School for 5th- and 6th-graders, citing declining enrollment and rising insurance and other expenses. The 6th-graders will be moved to a middle school that currently serves 7th- and 8th-graders, and the 5th-graders will go to an elementary school.
The district has experienced more than a 20% decline in enrollment over the last 21 years. The district also reduced staff in most categories, although it still has a 25% increase in managers.
More than two dozen Leavenworth School District employees cleared $100,000 last year, including two public relations managers.
District funding increased by more than 60% over the last 20 years, going from about $42 million to $68 million in 2025. Spending for the current school year is not yet available. Coupled with enrollment declines, spending per student has more than doubled, from $10,644 to $21,418.
The largest increases are for operations & maintenance, and debt service, with both now exceeding $3,000 per student.
The smallest increase, 61%, is in instruction, which encompasses direct interactions between students and teachers, as well as instructional materials.
Many Kansas school districts have seen enrollment declines since extended periods of virtual schooling during the COVID pandemic. Many parents were shocked to see firsthand that academic outcomes were lower than previously understood, as well as political indoctrination related to social-emotional learning and DEI embedded in some classrooms.
USD 453 Leavenworth recently named Dr. Cathy Redelberger as the interim superintendent, following Dr. Kellen Adams’ resignation to accept a similar position with the Piper school district in Wyandotte County.
Editor’s note: The original story had 5th-graders going to a middle school.
