Vote NO on USD 259 to Lower Property Taxes for Wichita!
Vote No to Stop a Long Term Property Tax Increase
On February 25, 2025 Wichita voters will decide on a $450 million dollar bond proposed by Wichita Public Schools called USD 259. The bond aims to fund safety upgrades, modernize classrooms, and repair aging facilities, all while promising not to increase the current tax rate.
So, why vote NO on the Bond?
1) Previous Spending Has Failed to Deliver Results: New facilities, such as Southeast High School, have not resolved issues like overcrowding and violence, raising doubts about the effectiveness of these investments
2) Financial Accountability Is Questionable: Despite USD 259 spending more than $710 million in bond funding, taxpayers have seen little return on investment in terms of academic improvement.
From 2013 to 2015 growth in non-instruction personnel has grown 7% despite the fact that student enrollment and classroom teachers is down.
Over the same time period, the ACT average of all Wichita Public Schools is down roughly 13% since 2015.
The district's management of funds has been criticized, with construction projects exceeding budgets and still failing to meet needs.
USD 259 has $348 million in carry over cash as of 2024. This is roughly 29% of their current operating expenses which shows the need for an additional $450 million bond as unnecessary.
3) Taxpayer Burden Remains High: While the bond promises no immediate tax increase, it perpetuates long-term debt obligations that taxpayers must eventually cover.
Wichita families are already grappling with rising living costs and stagnant wages. Additional debt for poorly managed projects worsens the financial strain.
4) Focus on Facilities Distracts from Core Educational Needs: Teacher dissatisfaction is high, with 62% believing the district is headed in the wrong direction.
There is a Better Path Forward: USD 259 must address declining academic performance by focusing on core educational improvements rather than facility upgrades. Taxpayers deserve: transparent financial management and accountability for past expenditures, investments in teacher support and student-centered initiatives, and a commitment to improving educational outcomes before taking on more debt.
Vote NO on USD 259 on February 25, 2025, to protect YOUR taxpayers dollars!