Wichita Public Schools

Teachers approved the contract just before the local teachers union held a sit-in protest at Monday’s school board meeting.

The proposed contract is the result of federal mediation, after the district and union declared an impasse in their negotiations.

Many teams are practicing inside, and elementary and middle schools are taking recess indoors.

District and union negotiators reached the tentative deal through talks brokered by a federal mediator.

A deal reached with United Teachers of Wichita would raise teachers' base salaries by 1.5%. Some teachers would get bonuses linked to additional experience and education.

A number of changes are in place ahead of the fall semester, with more issues set to come up.

To qualify, a person must be eligible to vote and live in District 3, which is in southeast Wichita.

Speakers at a pro-bond rally at Wave pointed out that most suburban school districts surrounding Wichita have passed bond issues in the 18 years since USD 259’s last successful bond.

Union and district negotiators returned to the table for one day before declaring an impasse in contract talks.

The district will hold open houses at select schools throughout the summer. The most recent event was at Christa McAuliffe Academy.