Decades of history, caring: A closer look at the six Wichita schools on the closure list
As the Wichita school board considers the fate of six longtime schools — including the oldest operating in the district — the possible closures have become a highly emotional topic.
Everyone from current to former staff and students is talking about the potential for losing the schools: Clark, Park, Payne and Cleaveland elementary schools and Hadley and Jardine Magnet middle schools.
The board will vote on Monday, March 4, at a meeting that starts at 6 p.m. inside North High’s lecture hall.
District leadership has said USD 259 would save $16 million with the six closures, which would affect 2,213 students and 322 employees. They will be invited to move to other schools.
Here are profiles of each of the six schools:
A brief look at the history of Jessie L. Clark Elementary School and Clark herself
Cleaveland, a small and tight-knit school, is the only magnet elementary up for closure
Park Elementary history is interesting because it’s Wichita’s oldest operating school
Payne Elementary named for ‘kind of infamous’ man but also known for being tight-knit
Hadley Middle graduated two football stars. Today, students strive to ‘do the right thing’
Jardine school has always been a bright spot in the Planeview neighborhood
This story was originally published March 4, 2024 at 5:25 AM.