Wichita Metro

Andover Public Schools - USD 385

District Classification: 5A
Number of Students enrolled in district:
Counties served: Butler County, Sedgwick County

The Andover Unified School District #385 spans 47 square miles in Butler and Sedgwick counties, covering both the City of Andover and an eastern portion of Wichita. Approximately 5,500 students attend one virtual, six elementary, two middle and two high schools in Andover.

Andover schools take pride in their academic excellence and progress to exceed local, state and national goals. Our tradition of excellence is evident in our National Merit Finalists and Semi-Finalists, continually high ACT scores, state championships in athletics and activities and regional and national recognitions awarded to programs and staff. Andover is a progressive district focused on helping students succeed.

Andover Public Schools holds high expectations for students and staff. Our success is evident in the many awards and recognitions staff receive. Andover educators have won recognitions such as Kansas Teacher of the Year, Kansas Teacher of the Year finalists and semi-finalists, Kansas Master Teacher, Kansas History Teacher of the Year and many more.

The district enjoys a partnership with Butler Community College that allows high school students the opportunity to earn college credit hours. The district also participates in the Butler County Special Education Interlocal #638 and the ORION Education Services. Andover employs counselors and nurses in each building, has intervention and prevention teams available to work with at-risk students, employs paraprofessionals to assist librarians and teachers and has active parent volunteer organizations that enhance learning experiences.

The Andover community overwhelmingly passed a $188 million bond issue in May of 2017. These bond projects are now nearly complete and have touched every school in the district. The focus of the bond projects include safety, storm shelters, building upgrades, improvements for academic and athletic programs and two replacement schools. All of this has contributed to the success of Andover Public Schools.

Metro Rankings - Based on 44 Wichita-Area Public High Schools
AHS #1
ACHS #2
Andover eCademy #13
U.S. News: Best High Schools - Wichita Metro

State rankings - Based on 293 Kansas Public High Schools:
AHS #10
ACHS #13
U.S. News: Kansas Best High School Rankings

The ratings are based on college readiness, state assessment performance, underserved student performance, college curriculum breadth, & graduation rates.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: more than 50

Current Incentives for teacher candidates:
Candidate Incentives

District’s current salary schedule:
2024-25 Salary Schedule

District’s Mentoring Program:
First and Second year teachers are assigned a mentor in the same grade or subject area.

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info:
Andover Public Schools

Goddard Public Schools, USD 265

District Classification: 5A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 2,000 or more
Counties served: Sedgwick County

Leading in Excellence:
From the first graduating class in 1912, Goddard Public Schools has proven itself a leader in educational excellence. More than 87% of our students continue their education in college or vocational training. Our students are recognized by the college community for the excellent scholastic preparation provided by Goddard Public Schools - a recognition that is verified by thousands of dollars in scholarships and awards granted our graduates each year.

Goddard's administration understands the delicate balance between traditionalism and change. Our teachers understand the importance of preparing students for an international community. We have a tradition of seeking the best instructional tools from innovative education methods. Goddard students are well-educated, not merely instructed. As one instructor explains, “Goddard is leading, not giving excuses”.

A continual theme found in Goddard Public Schools is “Family”. In the midst of growing and changing times, we attract and keep outstanding teachers by offering quality surroundings accompanied by an excellent salary schedule.

Growing and Changing with the Times:
Many families specifically choose to locate in the Goddard USD 265 because of our long-standing reputation for excellence and student achievement. Demographics and state assessment results for USD 265, are shown on the Building, District and State Report Cards link on the Kansas State Department of Education website. Goddard is located in south-central Sedgwick County less than 5 miles from Wichita.

The area served by Goddard schools is basically bounded by Central Ave. on the north and Tyler Rd. on the east (in Wichita), and 55th St. on the south and Viola Rd. on the west, in rural Sedgwick County. Services for students with special education needs are provided through the Goddard Special Education Cooperative. All federally mandated programs are available.

Preparing for the Future:
Goddard Public Schools serves more than 6,300 students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. Equipment and facilities are continuously upgraded, keeping our students on the cutting edge of technological advancements giving them an advantage in both collegiate and vocational settings. Goddard Public Schools is a rapidly-growing district. Based upon the number of houses under construction and new subdivisions on the drawing board, we anticipate rapid growth to continue for several years. This growth has led to a significant expansion of district facilities in recent years.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: more than 50

Current Incentives for teacher candidates:
The professional staff will be paid up to $1,000.00 annually for tuition toward graduate hours earned by staff to attain a graduate degree.

District’s current salary schedule:
The district offers a base salary of $49,000. Based on experience/credentials employees are placed on a placement schedule. There is also a fringe benefit that contributes $425 per month toward district-provided health insurance.

District’s Mentoring Program:
Goddard provides a mentoring program through the New Teacher Center. The program supports teachers in their first years of teaching while fulfilling Kansas State licensing requirements.

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info:
Goddard USD 265 Applicant Portal

Goddard

Maize, USD 266

District Classification: 6A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 2,000 or more
Counties served: Sedgwick County

The Maize School District is located primarily in the rapidly growing areas of the city of Maize and northwest Wichita, Kansas. Noted for its innovation, the Maize school district also provides a personal and caring atmosphere for award-winning students and employees. The school system, which houses about 8,000 students in fourteen buildings, is a premiere public school district in Kansas.

Since 2015, the district has built and opened its Maize Performing Arts & Aquatics Center, Maize Intermediate School, Maize South Intermediate School, and Maize Early Childhood Center. In 2023, it launched its Lead Forward strategic plan, with goals to nurture a cohesive culture, attract expert educators, elevate student learning, and build for the future. The district also has expanded its Department of Health, Safety, and Prevention and its school resource officer program.

Maize USD 266 is known for outstanding academic, fine arts, and athletic programs. The district is dedicated to the development of each child and to our mission to Connect, Learn, and Lead. This commitment is on display daily as employees work to grow and develop individuals of outstanding character who also possess the skills necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: more than 50

Current Incentives for teacher candidates:

District’s current salary schedule:
Base salary is $47,478

District’s Mentoring Program:

District’s recruitment video:

Contact Info:
USD 266 Careers

Valley Center Unified School District, USD 262

District Classification: 5A
Number of Students enrolled in district: 2,000 or more
Counties served: Sedgwick County

USD 262 Valley Center Public Schools serves approximately 3,200 students from the communities of Valley Center, Park City, Kechi, and Wichita, KS. Our district’s location provides a unique opportunity to blend the feel and safety of a small town with easy access to Metro-Wichita.

Our district has a pre-kindergarten program, three elementary schools (grades Pre-K-3), an intermediate school (grades 4-5), a middle school (grades 6-8), and a 5A high school (grades 9-12). In addition, we offer virtual and adult learning opportunities at The Learning Center, which assists students of all ages to earn their high school diplomas. The district has many partnerships with post-secondary institutions to help prepare students for college, career, and/or military life after high school.

Our district employs over 600 staff including teachers and part-time teachers, 75 substitute teachers, and 20 Rule 10 coaches all of whom strive to make our district’s vision a reality: “To be a premier school district known for excellence in education, innovative instruction, outstanding programs, and dedication to students”. Our staff is committed to excellence and is what makes our district an award-winning school system:

District -Full Kansas Education Systems Accreditation, 2021 Commissioners Award for Post-Secondary Success, #5 Best School District in the Wichita area by Niche.com
Wheatland Elementary School - 2023 National ESEA Distinguished School
Valley Center High School - Gold Standard Award from Next Gen Personal Finance
Valley Center Middle School - Rated One of the Best Public Middle Schools in the Wichita area by Niche.com
Valley Center Intermediate School - Rated in the Top 10 Middle Schools in the state of Kansas by U.S. News and World Report
Wheatland and Abilene Elementary Schools - Rated in the Top 30% of Elementary Schools in the state of Kansas by U.S. News and World Report
Abilene Elementary ranked the #4 Best Elementary School in the Wichita area by Niche.com.
Public School Review ranks all Valley Center Elementary Schools in the top 30%
Multiple Award Winning Staff Members.

We are proud of all our schools have to offer and that we provide a caring, safe place for our students to receive a quality education!

Number of expected teacher hires for upcoming school year: 40-49

Current Incentives for teacher candidates:
Candidate Incentives

District’s current salary schedule:
Salary Schedule

District’s Mentoring Program:
First and Second year teachers are assigned a mentor in the same grade or subject area.

District’s recruitment video:
Recruitment Video

Contact Info: