$450M tax issue on Wichita ballots: See when the vote is and key deadlines to know

Tuesday, Feb. 4, is the last day to register to vote for Wichita Public Schools’ bond election, which will be Feb. 25.

On the ballot is a $450 million bond issue for USD 259 that would tear down and rebuild seven elementary and middle schools, close four elementary schools and two administration centers, as well as convert two elementary schools to K-8 schools and expand Wells Alternative Middle School.

It would also build new outdoor athletic fields in Northeast Magnet High School, a new Future Ready Center for Trades at East High school and a new early childhood education center.

The school district is calling the issue a “zero rate change” bond issue because if passed, it would not necessarily increase the property tax mill levy. While the issue would use a 7.5 mill levy a year to pay off the bonds, homeowners in the school district already pay this to retire 2008 bonds. If the issue passes, when the 2008 bonds expire, that money would shift to the new bond issue instead of dropping to the normal amount.

Here’s what to know.

Who can vote in February’s election?

Registered voters who live in the Wichita Public Schools district can cast their vote Tuesday, Feb. 25.

The Wichita school district spans not only Wichita, but also parts of Kechi, Bel Aire and Park City.

Your party affiliation does not matter.

Election dates to know

Here are the dates to know if you’re planning to vote in February:

Wednesday, Feb. 4: Last day to register to vote or update your registration

Wednesday, Feb. 5: Voting by mail begins

Tuesday, Feb. 18: Sedgwick County election office opens for early voting

Tuesday, Feb. 18: Deadline to request a mail-in ballot

Thursday, Feb. 20: Early voting satellite locations open

Monday, Feb. 24: Early in-person voting ends at noon

Tuesday, Feb. 25: Election Day

This story was originally published February 2, 2025 at 5:00 AM.

Lindsay Smith

The Wichita Eagle

Lindsay Smith is a suburban news reporter for the Wichita Eagle, covering the communities of Andover, Bel Aire, Derby, Haysville and Kechi. She has been on The Eagle staff since 2022 and was the service journalism reporter for three years. She has a degree in communications with an emphasis in journalism from Wichita State, where she was editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The Sunflower, for two years. You can reach her via email at lsmith@wichitaeagle.com.