Investment in Our Schools Position

Caleb Smith for USD 259 Board of Education – District 5

Investing in Strong Public Schools

Introduction

The condition and quality of public schools are not merely indicators of educational opportunity—they are among the most powerful predictors of long-term community vitality and prosperity..

School boards influence decisions that shape civic trust and local investment. From budget approvals to curriculum standards, school facilities determine whether schools serve as pillars of opportunity or signals of decline. Studies from institutions like the Brookings Institution, the Learning Policy Institute, and the National Bureau of Economic Research make clear that sustained investment in school facilities improves academic outcomes, property values, and social mobility.

This white paper presents the evidence supporting robust facilities investment as a strategy to strengthen educational outcomes, safeguard housing equity, and advance economic development throughout Wichita.

Strong Schools, Strong Communities

Quality public schools drive residential stability and economic growth. A Brookings analysis found that homes near top-quartile schools are valued more than twice as high as those near lower-performing schools—even when adjusting for income and geography. Key dynamics include:

Home Price Correlation and Wealth Accumulation

Academic indicators such as test scores and graduation rates correlate with higher property values, helping families build long-term equity.

Facilities Signal Competence

Modern, well-maintained campuses indicate that a district prioritizes student success. Perceived cleanliness, safety, and readiness enhance neighborhood appeal.

Enrollment-Driven Stability

Families prioritize school ratings and facility condition when choosing where to live. In turn, this supports local business activity and municipal finances.

Quality facilities also lead to measurable improvements in student performance. Research from the 21st Century School Fund and the National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities highlights:

Indoor Air Quality and Health – Improved ventilation reduces absences and boosts concentration.
Thermal Comfort and Lighting – Optimal classroom environments increase test scores and engagement.
Flexible Learning Spaces – Modern technology and adaptive layouts improve instructional effectiveness.

A 2019 meta-analysis of over 200 studies found that capital investments in facilities rank among the most cost-effective interventions for closing achievement gaps and increasing academic performance.

Wichita’s Public Mandate

Local support for school investment is strong. The USD 259 Facility Master Plan Community Survey (2024) gathered over 3,000 responses, revealing the following:

Community Statement	Agreement Rate
Schools must support modern learning	89%
School upgrades vital to city progress	79%
School investment protects property values	~75%
Support for $450M bond (no mill levy increase)	77.6%

This data reflects a clear consensus across demographics: Wichita residents recognize that strong public schools are essential to economic health and neighborhood cohesion.

Districts like Cleveland have proven the impact of strategic school investment. After facility renovations, property values in adjacent neighborhoods rose over 10%, and chronic absenteeism declined—demonstrating broad community gains.

Policy Priorities

To build a resilient and equitable education system, USD 259 must act decisively. As a candidate, I propose a six-part strategy:

1. Facility Modernization

Renovate and maintain safe, energy-efficient, and well-equipped campuses.
Prioritize schools in high-need areas with aging infrastructure.
Design spaces that support collaboration, accessibility, and safety.

2. Smaller Class Sizes and Instructional Support

Reduce student-to-teacher ratios in core subjects.
Hire additional aides and support staff for individualized learning.
Reconfigure classrooms for effective small-group instruction.

3. Support for Educators

Increase starting salaries and offer merit-based retention bonuses.
Expand professional development in trauma-informed instruction and technology use.
Develop mentorship networks to sustain teacher growth.

4. Mental Health and Student Wellness

Add licensed counselors and behavioral support staff.
Implement early screening and peer support programs.
Establish wellness spaces and inclusive cultural programming.

5. Special Education and Multilingual Support

Hire specialists in therapy, language, and intervention services.
Ensure IDEA compliance across all facilities.
Provide accessible tools for all learners and multilingual families.

6. Transparent Governance and Community Engagement

Launch a publicly accessible budgeting dashboard.
Host listening sessions with stakeholders across all neighborhoods.
Communicate decisions clearly and proactively through multiple platforms.

Conclusion

Strong schools serve as economic anchors, civic beacons, and gateways to opportunity. They protect property values, prepare future workers, and foster a collective sense of pride and belonging.

Wichita’s future depends on courageous, evidence-driven leadership that places education at the heart of community development. If elected to the USD 259 Board of Education, I will champion a bold vision grounded in transparency, equity, and collective impact.

Together, we can build schools that reflect Wichita’s highest aspirations.

Caleb Smith for School Board
www.calebsmithforschoolboard.com