education

Wichita’s headcount for the 2025-26 school year is 45,075, down from 46,556 last year. The state’s largest district has lost about 6,000 students — a nearly 12% drop — over the past decade.

K-State leaders say they requested the change to comply with a new state law that requires state agencies to eliminate any policies or programs related to diversity, equity and inclusion.

As education commissioner, Randy Watson urged Kansas schools to increase their graduation rates and raise the percentage of students pursuing a post-secondary degree or workplace credential.

Union leaders say Diane Albert and Hazel Stabler have changed significantly since they joined the board as part of a conservative wave of candidates who focused on mask mandates, critical race theory and other culture war issues.

Wichita district leaders say the redesign was spurred in part by copyright concerns. The previous Heights logo closely resembled the logo for the Atlanta Falcons NFL team.

This is the first time the Kansas assessment scale has changed in nearly a decade. The State Board of Education also approved new descriptors for test levels that highlight proficiency.

The COVID-19 pandemic boosted the microschool movement across the country, as families sought alternatives during shutdowns and remote schooling. The trend has continued post-pandemic, as part of a broader desire for educational choice.

Board president Diane Albert and Mackenzi Truelove were the top vote-getters for the District 1 seat on the Wichita school board. Incumbent Kathy Bond will face retired teacher Amy Jensen in District 5.

Amy Warren, a Wichita parent and volunteer, has raised more money than any other candidate in the race for Wichita Board of Education. She faces incumbent Hazel Stabler in the District 6 race in November.

Wichita district officials say another bond issue is the only reasonable way to finance needed repairs and upgrades. Board members gave initial approval to put a new bond issue on next year's general election ballot.