School Board Candidate Responses
Candidate Responses
Arts Education and the Future of Our Schools
The Arts Council advocates for the arts as an essential part of a strong, well-rounded education. Decisions made by the Wichita School Board directly shape access to arts learning, creative opportunities, and cultural enrichment for students across our community.
In the 2025 election cycle, nine candidates ran for four open seats on the Wichita School Board in Districts 1, 2, 5, and 6. The Arts Council invited each candidate to share their perspectives on issues affecting arts education and the broader arts community.
Below, you will find the candidates’ responses in their own words. These insights are shared to help voters better understand how School Board candidates view the role of the arts in education and to encourage informed civic participation.
A strong commitment to the arts helps ensure that every student has the opportunity to learn, create, and thrive.
Leadership in Education
Candidates Running for Wichita School Board 2025
District 1
Diane Albert Mackenzi Truelove
District 2
Brent Davis Julie Hedrick Valerie Most
District 5
Kathy Bond Amy Jensen
District 6
Hazel Stabler Amy Warren
Question 1
Arts Education
What role do you believe arts education (visual arts, music, theatre, and dance) should play in Wichita Public Schools?
The arts play a vital role in the Wichita Public Schools. Visual arts, music, theatre, and many other opportunities help unlock a child’s potential by fostering creativity, critical thinking, and innovation. Just as importantly, they build confidence and provide students with opportunities to discover talents and passions that may not emerge in traditional academic settings. Arts education also strengthens engagement, connects learning across subjects, and enriches the culture of our schools. Every child deserves the chance to grow not only academically but also through creative experiences that shape well-rounded, confident individuals.
Arts Education not only keeps students returning each day to school. But also lays the groundwork for their academic success by fostering critical thinking, improving literacy and math skills, and increasing graduation rates. Research consistently shows that students engaged in music, theater, dance, and visual arts outperform their peers academically. Music training also enhances cognitive functions, improves memory, and strengthens problem-solving skills making the Arts a valuable tool for academic success. As a retired ballerina, I have firsthand experience and can confirm the above answer.
I am a huge proponent of arts education in the schools and have offered support for arts education over my entire professional career. As an employee in the facilities division, I participated in projects throughout the district in many schools to support arts education. As Division Director of Facilities, I led and funded the department that repairs musical instruments in the summer in order to make them available to students during the school year. I participated in the design of numerous theater improvements and the black box at SE High School. As a BOE member, I have encouraged continual funding of arts education programs and have supported events through my attendance and participation. Art education has proven to enhance academic achievement, develop creativity and support social emotional growth. It improves student motivation, attendance and engagement and provides skills students need to be future ready.
They all play a vital role in WPS. The arts are not “extras” but essential to developing well-rounded students. Research shows that students involved in the arts have stronger academic outcomes, better attendance, and improved social-emotional skills.
I believe that they play a huge role in education. If gives students an avenue to be creative and learn to approach problems from different angles and express ideas in unique ways.
I was in band when I was in middle school and part of high school. It taught me about competition – outside of athletics; how to work as a group; and be brave to show people what you can do.
The arts are essential to a complete education. Programs in visual art, music, theater, and dance help students develop creativity, confidence, teamwork, and critical thinking — skills that strengthen academic performance and prepare them for success in every field. Arts education gives students healthy ways to express themselves, celebrate their cultures, and connect with one another.
In Wichita Public Schools, the arts also play a vital role in community pride and inclusion. Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and the arts allow every student to see their story reflected and respected. Supporting liberal and fine arts programs ensures that all students — from elementary through high school — have access to well-rounded opportunities that nurture both intellect and imagination.
I believe arts education is integral our students’ development and especially at the younger ages should be seen as a part of their core education. My hope would be for all K-12 students to see a form of the arts that they connect with deeply. Even with all the benefits to experiencing the arts, classes and programs outside of the city can be cost prohibitive for many of our families. Arts education during the school day brings us closer to providing equitable access.
Question 2
Educational Impact
Please explain why you hold this view and how you see the arts contributing to students’ academic success, personal growth, and preparation for the future workforce.
I believe the arts are essential because they help unlock a child’s potential and confidence in similar ways that sports, JROTC, and other activities do. Visual arts, music, and theater provide students with opportunities to develop soft skills like teamwork, discipline, and problem-solving while doing something they enjoy and can be passionate about. These experiences not only enrich their school years but also strengthen academic success and prepare them for the workforce, where creativity, collaboration, and adaptability are critical.
The discipline, punctuality, respect and drive I have learned began in my youth from grades K-12. I was deeply active in the Arts, music, theater and dance and believe this helped shape me into who I am now. I am a strong supporter of the Arts being in a student’s school schedule.
Studies show a strong correlation between arts education and higher academic achievement including higher scores in subjects like math and writing. Arts can make school and learning more enjoyable and motivate kids to be in school and participate in activities. Students with more arts exposure and interest have better attendance, lower tardy and drop-out rates. Participating in concerts and performances give students an awareness and the discipline of “showing up” and being on time and prepared. Developing a skill that requires goal setting, practice and planning ahead are important factors of personal growth that contribute to life success.
For many students, the arts are where they find their passion, their voice, and their community. Whether it’s playing in the band, performing on stage, or creating visual art, these opportunities open doors to future careers and lifelong skills.
There are so many careers that use graphic designs, photography, and video production in our world today. It makes it very important to understand how they all work and how they can be used.
When I think about music, theatre, and dance they really help individuals grow and learn self-confidence. There are so many talented individuals who come out of USD 259 that become nurses, politicians, teachers, doctors, police officers and so much more; that these courses have helped them develop into the person they are today.
I hold this view because I’ve seen firsthand how the arts transform students’ confidence and motivation. When students create, perform, or design, they learn discipline, problem-solving, and collaboration — the same skills needed in today’s workforce. Arts education doesn’t just teach technique; it teaches perseverance, innovation, and pride in one’s work.
The arts also reach students who may not connect through traditional academics. A student who struggles in math may thrive in music, discovering patterns and rhythm that later strengthen math and reading comprehension. Theater and dance build communication and teamwork, while visual arts develop attention to detail and creative thinking — all of which are essential in every profession.
By keeping strong arts programs in Wichita Public Schools, we are not only nurturing future artists but also future leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators who know how to think creatively, work collaboratively, and approach challenges with confidence.
Oh my goodness! We can’t discount the many ways that art, movement, and music help a developing child. Creativity and imagination have long been tied to academic success and measures of creativity have been on the decline in recent decades as our kids are provided with many toys, programs, and activities that have pre-determined outcomes and rigid rules. Arts education opens up avenues for creativity, collaboration, self-expression, and exploration and builds confidence along the way, especially for kids who may not see themselves as traditionally academically successful. Art can be play and it can help kids process emotions and thoughts. Art can be a shared experience when so much of school work is based toward individual success. I believe we’ll give the best chance for well-rounded humans- that in turn will be successful in the workforce- when we provide opportunities to create and learn through tactile, visual, embodied, and experiential modes of creativity.
Question 3
Access to Arts Education
If elected, how would you support equitable access to arts education for all Wichita students, regardless of school location or socioeconomic background?
I have always supported arts opportunities so that all Wichita students can benefit, regardless of their school or background. Students already have access to a wide range of programs, including photography, ceramics, painting, drama, band, and many others, that allow them to explore their interests and develop their talents. When barriers arise, staff work tirelessly to meet students where they are and ensure participation is possible. My role is to continue supporting these opportunities so that every student can pursue the arts in a way that inspires confidence and unlocks their potential.
ALL students need the opportunity to participate in the Arts K-12. I’m grateful USD259 has a strong arts program, which requires our K-5 to attend music. This could be a stepping stone for greater things for any student. There should be no obstacles for any student to be involved in the arts.
I will continue to support ALL students in the district. I will continue to fund arts education. I will continue to support the department that repairs and provides musical instruments to children that might not otherwise have them available to them. I will continue to support student performances and personally acknowledge and encourage specific individual students regardless of their socioeconomic background.
I will support district-wide investment in arts programs so they are available in all schools, not just a select few. I will also work to strengthen partnerships with local arts organizations, universities, and community groups to expand opportunities and bring arts experiences directly to students. Just as importantly, I will advocate for removing barriers such as instrument rental costs, uniforms, or activity fees so that no student is excluded because of family finances. The arts belong to every child; they enrich learning, build confidence, and connect communities.
Yes, I would support equitable access to arts education. I believe we need to give all students an opportunity to find what they have passion for. I encourage life long learning, and with the arts it can be a life long passion you can learn and do forever.
Equitable access to arts education means ensuring that every student—no matter their ZIP code or family income—has the same opportunity to discover and develop their creative talents. This requires consistent funding for quality arts programs in every school, access to certified teachers, and resources such as instruments, art materials, and performance spaces.
Partnerships with community arts organizations, museums, and local artists can also expand opportunities for students who might not otherwise have access. Collaboration between schools and cultural institutions helps bridge resource gaps and brings real-world artistic experiences into the classroom.
By aligning arts education with academic and career readiness goals, Wichita Public Schools can help all students benefit from the creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork that the arts inspire—skills that prepare them for success in any path they choose.
My hope is that we maintain access through our core art and music classes already provided at school. With pressures on our district budget and the many changes from the federal level and state level, we’ll need to continue to emphasize funding art education and ask Wichitans, especially those already connected in the arts community, to come along and see the value these experiences offer. We’ll need to look for ways to increase funding for transportation for students to experience art around our city and partner with groups to bring the services to students. I need to look further into the “how” behind this question. We have many district employees equally, if not even more, passionate about access to arts education and look forward to partnering with them to hear how we can continue these efforts.
Question 4
Policy & Funding
Please share any specific policies, funding priorities, or partnerships you would advocate for to strengthen arts programs in our district.
I am always open to strengthening partnerships with community businesses and volunteers who want to enhance opportunities for students in our district. We already have many great partners investing in different ways, and their support makes a real difference. Expanding this type of engagement is something we should continue to encourage, because it enriches student experiences and strengthens the bond between schools and our community.
Policies P6785, and P6780 are well established within our district, supporting the arts in our schools. Friends University are beloved supporters of the district’s music education. Parental support is very positive. I am advocating for stronger PTA groups and booster clubs which could be a considerable financial support.
I will propose fine arts achievements being added to the list of secondary assets required for high school graduation. I support and encourage the districts partnership with the Wichita Art Museum. I anticipate that relationship being a long-term high commitment investment as my daughter is the curator at WAM. She has the same appreciation of fine arts education as I have. She became an art history professional as a result of first being exposed to and learning about art history at Wichita High School East under the mentorship of Lisa Kellerby and Brenda Jones.
I believe the arts are essential to a well-rounded education, and I would advocate for policies and funding priorities that protect and expand these opportunities. I support ensuring that arts education is included as a core part of the curriculum and not treated as an extra to be cut when budgets are tight. Funding must be directed toward equitable access to supplies, instruments, equipment, and staff. Community partnerships are essential to provide enrichment opportunities for our kids. These collaborations can stretch resources while connecting students to Wichita’s vibrant arts community.
I totally advocate for partnerships in our community. With partnerships, students can learn how they can use their skills in the workforce or see how their passions can be used in the community. I believe it takes a community to help students see what is out there and how they can be a productive citizen in whatever they choose to pursue.
I would prioritize sustainable funding for arts education so that every school—elementary through high school—can offer consistent, high-quality programs in visual arts, music, theater, and dance. This includes ensuring adequate budgets for supplies, instruments, and performance opportunities, as well as support for recruiting and retaining certified arts teachers.
I would also advocate for stronger partnerships between Wichita Public Schools and local arts organizations, such as the Wichita Art Museum, Mark Arts, the Wichita Symphony, and community theaters. Collaborations like these expand learning beyond the classroom and give students real-world exposure to creative careers.
Another priority is to align the arts with career and technical education pathways, creating opportunities in design, media, fashion, stage production, and digital arts that prepare students for the future workforce. By investing in both traditional and emerging art forms, we can build a vibrant pipeline that connects creativity, culture, and career readiness for all students.
I mentioned in the previous answer that we have district employees and local organizations already hard at work advocating for funding and partnerships. I look forward to gaining a deeper understanding of the existing community support and reviewing policies pertinent to this topic.
I see great things happening throughout WPS- as a parent I attend the concerts, art shows, and musicals. Art is valuable way of helping kids invest in their own education and develop their individuality. One thing I know from being a parent in this district for nearly 9 years is that we have kids who love to learn, love to create and a community that is more than capable of providing amazing opportunities.