Wichita Board votes 6-0 to call Nov. 3, 2026 bond election for up to $615 million

The Wichita Board of Education on June 1 approved a resolution to call a bond election for Nov. 3, 2026, seeking authorization for projects the district says would not raise the tax rate under Question 1 and would ask up to $615,000,000 if both ballot questions pass.

Deputy Superintendent Gil Alvarez delivered the board’s recommended bond proposal and urged approval of the resolution that would place two questions before voters. Alvarez said the proposal was shaped by extensive community engagement and data and was structured so Question 1 — focused on core facilities, safety and preserving historic high schools — would carry no tax‑rate increase. "Question 1 has a no tax rate increase," Alvarez said, adding that if both questions pass the district estimates an increase of about $50 a year on a $200,000 home.

The proposal calls for phased construction beginning as early as late 2026 and anticipates major rebuilds in 2027 with completion of the work by mid‑2033. Alvarez said the district will convene a bond oversight committee to monitor projects and provide transparency. "This resolution formally authorizes the process to call the election for 11/03/2026," he said, and recommended the board approve resolution 2026‑06‑01 to place the questions before voters.

Supporters in public comment framed the bond as an investment in opportunity. Katie Grover, a parent speaking for community supporters, said the bond is about modern learning environments and opportunity for students: "Our students deserve schools that match their potential," she said. Community organizing also surfaced: Luis Rodriguez announced a parent‑teacher‑alumni committee forming to support the bond should the board put it on the ballot.

Teachers and staff urged the board to pair capital investment with stronger collaboration and transparency. Mike Harris, identified by district speakers as the outgoing vice president of United Teachers of Wichita, told the board that staff must be brought into long‑term planning early. "When long term plans are being developed ... employees need to know that they are being brought into the conversation early and honestly," Harris said.

After board discussion that highlighted the listening tour and staff engagement, board member Julie moved to approve the resolution and a voice/hand vote returned a 6‑0 result. The board recorded the motion as moved by Julie and seconded (a board member recorded as Knox); chair announcement noted the motion carried unanimously.

With board approval, staff said they will submit the required application to the Kansas State Board of Education and place the two questions on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot if state approval is received. The district’s presentation packet and the proposed bond resolution are available on the district bond website for public review. The board did not adopt detailed project contracts at the meeting; those would follow after voter approval and state review.

What’s next: the board’s action authorizes the process to seek state approval and to present the ballot language to Wichita voters on Nov. 3, 2026. If approved by voters and the state, the district plans phased construction and oversight via a bond oversight committee.