Barely three months after presidential and congressional elections transfixed the country, USD 259 patrons will head to the polls February 25th to render a decision on a $450 million bond issue, which promises no increase in taxes.
We offered a supporter and an opponent an opportunity to present their side of this important issue.
USD 259 Board Member Diane Albert supports the bond issue and begins by describing where the money will go:
- New Construction Trades “FutureReady” Center – Strengthens skilled labor pipelines in areas such as plumbing, electrical, carpentry and welding. This supports industry recognized certifications so students can enter the workforce job-ready.
- Operationally efficient. Example, reducing 2 buildings into 1 reduces admin costs, overhead costs, utilities, and maintenance.
- Reduces administrative buildings – Saves on overhead and redirects funds to student learning
- Repairs aging infrastructure – Addresses roofs, windows, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems. Maximizing their life span but addressing real needs before their failure leads to more damage. If your roof is leaking, that can impact the integrity of the structure which is not protecting the investment.
- Upgrading infrastructure now helps prevent costlier, reactionary spending later.
- This plan keeps the districts mill rate the same at 7.5 mills, which means the current rate will not change. This bond will not address every facility need the district has, but keep in mind, a less conservative board would have probably gone after a larger bond and raised the mill rate. This plan addresses real needs while being sensitive to the taxpayers’ rates. The district is working within the existing financial framework.
- The district has implemented new procedures for transparency and oversite which have not occurred in the past. This includes committees specific to this bond proposal and, separately, the building closures. This is to ensure strong oversight to ensure accountability to taxpayers. The board will be receiving regular updates at the public meetings if the bond passes. There will be accountability for the money spent, ensuring fiscal responsibility.
- This bond issue is structured to fund critical improvements without increasing the mill rate.
- Other highlights:
- Rebuild 7 schools
- Build a new Early Childhood Center
- Upgrades classrooms and science labs for hands on, project-based learning.
- Remodel 2 schools for alternative learning and day school programs
- Enhances safety and security in all buildings
- Improves accessibility – ADA compliance for example
- Adds air conditioning to gymnasiums that don’t have it
- Addresses other facility needs to support teaching and learning
She continues by explaining her support for the proposed bond issue:
“USD 259’s Facilities Master Plan takes a more efficient approach to facility management than in the past. The only reason a school district exists is to improve student outcomes-but that also means providing safe, functional, stable, and cost-effective learning environments.
“I have personally walked through many buildings, and some are in rough shape. The staff does a respectable job with what they have but many systems are outdated, inefficient, and costly to support.
“On a personal note, I know many people are saying that school buildings don’t impact academic success, but I have to disagree. We can talk about classroom climate control, rooms that are too hot or too cold, or poor lighting, both of which affect focus and engagement. But for me, the real opportunity in this bond isn’t just about fixing old buildings, it’s about ensuring our schools provide an environment where every student can truly learn.
“One of the most critical improvements this bond provides is larger classroom spaces. This isn’t about packing in more students, it’s about allowing better teaching methods. Hands-on learning, project-based education, and interactive models that allow students to learn by doing. This can be nearly impossible in small, outdated classrooms. When classroom space is too limited, the only option left is traditional lecture-based, “sit and get” learning.
“For me, as a dyslexic learner, that lecture model was the furthest thing from receiving an effective education. I needed hands-on learning to really thrive, which is probably why l ended up in the construction trades. I am incredibly mechanical, and I can learn anything by doing. I know I am not alone. Many students in our district struggle in traditional learning environments and would benefit from classrooms designed for multiple learning styles, not just for those who can sit and listen to a lecture.
“As a fiscal conservative, I always want my taxes to go down. But l also know that a high-quality education system is one of the best investments we can make for our students, our families, and our community’s economic future. Smart, capable students grow into smart, capable workers, which strengthens our local economy and reduces long-term reliance on government programs.
“This bond issue is a smart, responsible investment. It doesn’t raise the mill rate, reduces administrative building costs, and prioritizes efficiency while ensuring students have the right environment to succeed. That’s why l am voting YES on February 25, 2025, because l believe in a learning environment that gives every student the opportunity to unlock their God-given potential.”
District patron Ben Davis opposes the bond issue and agreed to an interview with The Sentinel:
1 – What is your opinion on the bond issue in general?
“Fundamentally, I am against the bond. The superintendent and much of the Board of Education are in the business of telling half-truths about this bond proposal and why they “need” $450 million. For example, in 2008, a $370 million bond narrowly passed, and millions of dollars were spent updating and building new schools. What do we have to show for it today? Several of the schools 259 closed last year — with no warning to the neighborhoods which have nurtured and relied on them for decades – received millions from the 2008 bond, now only to be shuttered.
“According to 259’s “Master Plan,” four more elementary schools — OK, Pleasant Valley, L’Ouverture, and Woodland — are slated to be closed in the next few years. Each of those schools have received millions in bond money, are in great shape, and are loved by their surrounding neighborhoods (all of which are low-income and racially diverse) — but none of that matters to the district. The kids who attend those schools will be shuffled around like pieces on a board game. And the taxpayers? No serious plan has been put forward by the district to sell those properties at market rate, recovering taxpayer money.
“The proficiency scores of USD 259 students merely compounds the problem. Hundreds of millions of dollars in bond money has been spent to update and build new schools, yet student scores are in the toilet. As of 2024, 10th grade ELA proficiency was 14% and 10th grade math proficiency was an abysmal 9%. The school district is graduating students who are not equipped to enter higher education or the workforce. Board members Diane Albert, Hazel Stabler, and Kathy Bond were elected in 2022 to bring needed change to the school district. But only Kathy Bond has stood strong on principles for which she was elected. The other two board members have capitulated, unfortunately, becoming rubber stamps for the superintendent. Wichita students deserve better, and so do taxpayers.”
2 – Does the amount of unencumbered cash reserves; those not designated for federal requirements, capital outlays, or debt service, seem reasonable to you?
“According to a recent KORA (Kansas Open Records Act), USD 259 has $348.6 million sitting in carryover cash. Of that number, $84 million is in capital outlay; $83 million is in bond/debt service; and a whopping $186 million is categorized as simply “general.” To be clear, those are all reserve funds — they do not contribute to 259’s annual budget (which for 2025 is $970.6 million). Given 259’s apocalyptic rhetoric regarding the current condition of its buildings, it seems holding back $84 million in capital outlay reserves is irresponsible; holding back an additional $186 million in “general” reserves, at least some of which could be used for capital improvements, is outright scandalous. Clearly, 259’s administration (working in conjunction with their consultants) has manufactured a crisis to justify asking taxpayers for another $450 million bond, which will inevitably raise property taxes with minimal (at best) results in better academic performance.”
Reporter’s Update: Unofficial results released show the bond issue was defeated 13,883 – 13, 588 with a turnout of just under 14%. Sedgwick County commissioners will meet March 6th to confirm the final tally.
