Vol. 16, No. 8 - A Publication For Faculty, Staff and Friends of Wichita State University - December 2, 1999 

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School planning committee to meet at WSU

By Amy Geiszler-Jones

When more than 7,200 Wichitans responded to a survey conducted by WSU on Wichita public schools, an overwhelming majority indicated they’d be willing to support increased taxes if they had more of a say in the planning to spend that money.

Nearly 82 percent said they’d support a bond referendum if the school district would make a greater effort to listen to the community, according to the study conducted by WSU associate professor Mark Glaser and the Center for Urban Studies. Eighty-five percent said they’d want to see in advance a plan for spending the money.

Taking that into account, USD 259 put together what’s called a facility master plan steering committee that has been holding public meetings on the planning process. Its Dec. 11 meeting will be at WSU’s Hughes Metropolitan Complex at 9:30 a.m.

Other meetings this month are 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Joyce Focht Instructional Support Center, 412 S. Main, and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at Wilbur Middle School, 340 N. Tyler.

About 160 people representing various constituencies have been appointed to the committee, according to Trix Niernberger with USD 259. Jon Engelhardt, College of Education dean, represents WSU. Other WSU faculty on the committee include Keith Pickus from history, who represents a school site council, and Joe Pisciotte, a public administration professor who represents the Wichita City Council.

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