The Wichita Public Schools Board of Education is moving forward with plans to close four elementary schools, though a possible bond issue could delay the timeline for two of them.
Under the current plan, Pleasant Valley Elementary School and L’Ouverture Elementary School are scheduled to close at the end of the 2026–27 school year. The fate of Woodland Elementary School and OK Elementary School could depend on whether voters approve a new bond proposal expected to be considered for the November 2026 ballot.
District leaders say declining enrollment is a key reason behind the decision. School board president Stan Reeser said demographic projections show the district’s student population could fall to about 33,000 within the next eight years, meaning fewer school buildings may be needed.
Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld said the district is considering asking voters to approve a bond issue in November, but the proposal has not been finalized. If voters approve the bond, Woodland and OK elementary schools could remain open longer while new facilities are built. If the measure fails, those schools would close at the end of the 2026–27 school year along with the other two campuses.
The district plans to hold community engagement meetings in April and May to discuss the potential bond proposal and gather feedback before any ballot decision is made.
The closures are part of the district’s long-term facilities master plan aimed at addressing aging buildings and aligning school capacity with enrollment trends.