Kansas board votes to end desegregation busing

WICHITA, Kan. — On Jan. 28, the Wichita Board of Education unanimously approved a plan to eliminate the decades-old practice of busing students based on race for the purpose of desegregation at Wichita Public Schools USD 259.

The move will begin with the 2008-09 school year.

Before the vote, Board of Education President Connie Dietz and Board member Barb Fuller talked about being teachers during the first year the plan was implemented and how it affected them and their students. Calling the change “historic and monumental,” board members also stated that they are committed to diversity, student achievement and expanding choices for parents.

Community meetings were held in January to inform parents and to gather feedback. Superintendent Winston Brooks’ final report to the board can be found on the district’s Website at www.usd259.com/news/busing/default.htm.