Here’s what to know about the ballot proposal that would change Wichita BOE elections

Wichita has been electing its school board members the same way for 27 years. Voters will be asked Nov. 8 if they want to switch to a new system of district-specific voting or keep letting residents across the school district vote in every race.

Here’s what you need to know about the proposal and how it could change elections to the board, which makes decisions about taxing, spending and a wide range of policies for USD 259, the largest school district in the state.

How are board members currently elected?

The school district is subdivided into six equally populated districts that are redrawn every 10 years. One board member represents each board district and a seventh at-large member represents the whole school district.

If more than three candidates file to run in a school board race, voters in the board district they hope to represent narrow the field to two in the primary. Then, in the general election, USD 259 voters can cast ballots in every school board race, whether or not they live in that district.

This hybrid election model was adopted through a 1994 ballot measure. Before that, school board primary and general elections were both decided at-large.

How would elections change under this proposal?

“USD 259 Question” on the ballot asks voters if they favor switching to the district-specific voting system used to elect representatives to the city council, county commission and state legislature.

Under this system, only the residents of a specific district would vote for their school board member in the primary and general elections. If the change is approved, voters across the entire school district will still be able to select the seventh at-large board member.

What is the ballot wording?

Six (6) board member positions for the USD 259 Board of Education are now elected from separate districts and one board member is elected at-large. Voters in primary elections vote for member positions from the district where they reside and for an at-large member position. Voters in general elections vote for member positions in all six (6) districts and for the at-large member position.

It is proposed the method of electing board members be changed to a system wherein voters in both primary and general elections vote for the member position from the district where they reside and for the at-large member position.

Question: Shall a change in the method of election as described above be approved?

Who can vote on this issue?

The school board question will appear on the ballot for registered voters who live within the boundaries of the Wichita school district.

Who came up with the proposed change?

Community members brought the idea of switching to district-specific voting to the school board in August, saying the current system could lead to voter disenfranchisement.

They point to 2017, when Ben Blankley defeated Betty Arnold for the District 1 seat event though Arnold outperformed him 64.3% to 35.8% among district residents.

The school board voted 4-3 to initiate the ballot question, with members of the board’s conservative minority citing concerns that efforts to change the election system may be politically motivated.

What do proponents of the proposal say?

Proponents of district-specific voting say it would ensure residents are represented by someone who prioritizes the specific needs of their district.

“There are special needs that I believe each district can articulate, and if you don’t have somebody from your district who can articulate the special needs of your district, our kids are going to miss out,” LaWanda Deshazer told the school board in August.

What do opponents of the proposal say?

Opponents of district-specific voting say it’s preferable to elect seven board members who answer to everyone in the community — not just voters in their own district.

“The current method of voting, I can say you all represent me right now,” community member Carl Nelson told the school board. “Right now, I’m represented. I don’t have to say I have to go to this district and lobby or that district and lobby.

“I’d like to think that you all represent anybody sitting here. Take all the districts’ feelings into mind.”

Would this affect which schools students attend?

This change would not affect district boundaries or require students to switch schools.

When would the change go into effect?

If voters opt for a change, the new election system would go into effect in 2023, when three school board members are up for re-election.

If you have other questions about the proposal, we want to hear from you. Send your questions to mkelly@wichitaeagle.com.

This story was originally published October 16, 2022 at 6:00 AM.