A new parent communication tool and a potential comeback for MacBook laptops in high schools are part of changes the Lawrence school district plans to make in 2025-26.
In addition, enrollment for two new preschool classes is now open.
Superintendent Jeanice Swift first reported on the upcoming program “enhancements” during the March 24 school board meeting and then updated the board on Monday.
In attempts to streamline communication, the district will implement a tool called ParentSquare, which has the ability for live, two-way messaging between families and staff. Swift said all families will be required to register for the tool that’ll be active in August.
For folks uninterested in downloading the app, board member Anne Costello said all messages are also sent to email addresses and will be available through the tool’s website.
Board member Shannon Kimball said although adjusting may take time, she hopes a consolidated model will improve communication. Various buildings, teachers, coaches and other staff currently use different apps.
“It’s no wonder that parents feel overwhelmed by communication at times, and so I am very hopeful that this tool will help us unify the message, give people a single place to go and really strengthen those relationships,” Kimball said.
Board member Bob Byers recommended the district take it a step further and ban the use of social media apps for any communication between district employees and parents and students. He’d attended a National Association of School Boards conference workshop where professionals strongly recommended districts implement such policies.
“I see this as a possible school safety support and that a lot of victimization of children starts over the internet,” Byers said.
Swift said there are occasional instances where personal phone calls or in-person meetings are allowed, but the district’s goal is to keep a record of everything.
Kimball said the policy committee will begin working to build on the related board policy, IIBGC: Staff Online Activities, that’s currently in place. The first draft is expected to be ready for the board’s consideration before school begins, Jones said.
Back to Macbooks
Swift also shared that the district is considering returning to MacBooks for high schoolers, after the board in January 2023 approved switching to iPads, because students expressed great interest.
“They were clear that to have a better college-aligned experience, they needed to have a MacBook and not the iPads anymore,” Swift said.
The district leveraged its capital outlay money so that “no funds will be used for this implementation that can be used for classroom salaries,” Swift said. But Kimball asked if the district is able to show its financial situation is at a different place now for the more expensive equipment.
“I’m very supportive of going back to MacBooks if we feel it is within our budget, but I am concerned about the issue that led us to make the decision in the first place, which is the cost of repair and upkeep for those devices,” Kimball said.
Swift told Kimball her question was important and that she would follow up after preparing a response.
Enrollment open for preschool classes
Additionally, 2025-26 preschool enrollment is now open, including for two new classes.
Early education for 3- and 4-year-olds is currently offered at Kennedy Early Childhood Center and New York Montessori School, but beginning in August, one preschool class each will be open at Sunflower and Woodlawn elementary schools.
Preschool classes in the district will cost $660 per month. Families who meet certain criteria will not have to pay.
Learn more and register on the district’s website, usd497.org.
The board did not take any formal vote following Swift’s report Monday. See the full report attached to the meeting agenda item on BoardDocs.
Note: This post has been corrected from a previous version.
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Maya Hodison (she/her), equity reporter, can be reached at mhodison@lawrencekstimes.com. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.
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