Wichita, Kansas maintained a dual black and white school system from 1906 to 1952. Segregation continued, however, between 1952 and 1971. The board of education appointed a blue-ribbon, low economic area problems committee which made recommendations for desegregation of the schools along both racial and socioeconomic lines. Recommendations for improvement in the quality of teaching, development of educational parks, and pupil transportation were rejected by the board. In 1969 the board of education ordered the desegregation of Wichita's secondary schools. This involved the dispersal of black students. After the Office of Civil Rights moved to cut off federal funds to the district, and that sanction had been approved by an administrative law judge, the district adopted a voluntary desegregation plan to establish equitable pupil rations by crossbusing students and closing some predominantly black schools. This was implemented in the 1971-72 school year. The plan was adopted because the business and civic leaders supported the effort. After adoption, both black and white community groups protested without impact. The entire community led by the school administration participated in implementation. Despite some difficulties with discipline, desegregation proved successful. Academic achievement improved. Teachers learned to cope with new problems. White parents and children volunteered to participate in the desegregation effort in ever increasing numbers. (Author/AM)