Facilities Steering Committee shares long-range planning update

Jan 15 2026

Since first meeting in December 2024, members of the Facilities Steering Committee have reviewed data, toured schools to better understand current needs and future opportunities, examined district finances, and prioritized potential long-range options for Maize USD 266. On Monday, Committee Co-Chairman Dallas Rakestraw and Executive Director of Operations Darin Augustine shared an update on this work with Maize Board of Education members.

This presentation reflects 13 months of committee members’ thoughtful, collaborative work. The process now moves into its next phase, which will include feedback sessions with students, families, community members, and employees. These opportunities will allow the district to gather broader input and better understand what matters most as we plan for the future of our schools together.

See below for details on upcoming opportunities to learn more and share your thoughts, including a districtwide survey. Recommendations are not final and will continue to take shape in the coming months.

Key components of the committee’s work to date include:

Exploring potential traffic and pedestrian safety solutions.
Identifying expanded opportunities that support student learning, extracurricular activities, career readiness, and special education needs.
Holding discussions with the Maize Recreation Commission about potential shared-use facility space that could benefit the greater community. Maize Rec is a publicly supported community service agency focused on providing recreational programs and activities for community members of all ages, with offerings and engagement that have grown significantly in recent years.
Reviewing potential funding scenarios, all of which involve a zero percent increase to the mill, the tax rate applied to property taxes to support the district’s facility needs and budget.

Thank you to the members of the Facilities Steering Committee, which includes employees, students, parents, and community representatives. Members have volunteered countless hours and provided thoughtful leadership to ensure their work aligns with the district’s Lead Forward strategic plan, including the focus area to Build for the Future.

The committee plans to meet again in April to review feedback and finalize plans for presentation to the Maize Board of Education in May.

You are invited: Join us for a community feedback session

Mark your calendar for an upcoming community discussion about district facilities and help us Build for the Future! Choose any of these sessions to learn more about the Facilities Steering Committee's work and priorities.

7 p.m. Tuesday, March 10: Maize South High School, 3701 N. Tyler Road in Wichita
7 p.m. Thursday, March 12: Maize High School, 11600 W. 45th St. in Maize
7 p.m. Tuesday, March 24: Vermillion Elementary School, 501 James in Maize