Samuel Spaght Multimedia Magnet

Samuel E. Spaght Science and Communications Magnet (previously Spaght Multimedia Magnet, Spaght Accelerated Magnet, Ingalls World of Knowledge Magnet, Ingalls Edison, and Ingalls Elementary School) was originally built in the 1900’s at Ninth and Cherry Street, which is now where the Dunbar site is located. The first building was named Ingalls Elementary School in honor of John J. Ingalls, a famous 19th century United States Senator and lasted only a short time as it burned one month and five days later. In 1927 contracts were set for a new school at Tenth and Grove. Population in the area grew rapidly, resulting in four rooms being added to the structure in 1930 and an additional six rooms in 1952. In 1962, 14 classrooms, a multipurpose room and a library were added.

The integration process started at Ingalls in 1953 and continued until about 1957, when the school population was more than 50 percent black. By the time it was 1969 only one white child attended which resulted in Ingalls being an assigned area for integration purposes in 1971-72. There was a population of 80 percent white and 20 percent blacks in the school at this time.

In the fall of 1992, the educational emphasis of Ingalls changed to a geographical approach and the school was renamed Ingalls World of Knowledge Magnet Elementary School.

In the fall of 1997, the district granted a contract to the Edison Corporation and the name was changed to Ingalls Edison Academy. This partnership lasted until the spring of 2002.

In 2002, USD 259 terminated their contract with the Edison Corporation. At this time the building was changed to Samuel E. Spaght Accelerated Magnet Academy and was dedicated to the memory of district administrator and lifelong supporter of children, Samuel E. Spaght. Mr. Spaght served the Wichita Public Schools for 41 years before losing his battle with cancer in May 2000.

In 2008, the decision was made to overhaul the instruction integration focus and name once again. The world was changing and the need for preparing students for the real-world became more important than ever. Classrooms were equipped with the newest technology and multimedia resources while staff was trained on methods for implementing these new resources into all subject and content areas. The transition to Samuel E. Spaght Multimedia Magnet began.

A wonderful opportunity to enhance and refresh the current magnet theme came knocking on the door during the 2012-2013 school year. A national Magnet Schools of American Grant which allows magnet schools to integrate new elements through careful planning, guided trainings and student college and career readiness was awarded.

Spring of 2014, Samuel E. Spaght Science and Communications Magnet was born.