Man charged with stalking after making contact with student at Wichita school
The 36-year-old man and former Wichita schools employee accused of making contact with and hugging a 13-year-old girl last week has been charged with stalking, Sedgwick County court records show.
Michael Arnold of Wichita was arrested Wednesday after entering Gordon Parks Academy twice — once Monday, March 9, and again on Tuesday, March 10 — to make unauthorized contact with a 13-year-old student. The first time he entered the school, he was able to speak with and hug the girl before she was able to alert a trusted adult.
Wichita police took Arnold into custody on Wednesday, March 11, after family members posted on social media, saying the school had not followed visitor protocol and the Wichita Police Department had not done anything about the incident.
The family did not respond to requests for comment.
Susan Arensman, the district’s lead spokeswoman, said a trained staff member at Gordon Parks failed to follow protocol, which includes checking ID and the student information system to verify the adult is permitted to have contact with the student. Arensman said the issue with the staffer has since been addressed by district administration.
Arnold was employed by the school district as a para and future readiness advocate for less than two months in 2024, Arensman confirmed.
He made his first appearance in court Monday where his bond was set at $50,000, court records show. If he posts bond, he is not allowed to visit any USD 259 facilities, the Gordon Parks student or anyone under the age of 16. He’s due in court again on April 2.
This story was originally published March 16, 2026 at 5:34 PM.
