Lawrence school board
The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education includes seven volunteer members who are elected to serve four-year terms.
Three or four of the board seats are up for election in every odd year. The next school board election will be in November 2027. If enough candidates file to necessitate a primary, that will occur in August 2027.
The board generally meets at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at district offices, 110 McDonald Drive. Board meetings are also listed on the Lawrence Times events page.
Meetings are livestreamed on the USD 497 YouTube channel, and recordings of previous meetings can also be found on that page. They are also broadcast live on Midco channel 26.
Find school board meeting agendas and board policies at this link. Find Lawrence Times coverage of the school board at this link.
See board members’ committees and site councils via the district’s website at this link.
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Contact the Lawrence school board:
Last updated: July 24, 2026
Bob Byers, board president
785-330-1918
[email protected]
First elected in 2009, served through 2013; appointed to vacant seat from 2014-2015; appointed to vacant seat again in 2023; appointed to vacant seat again in 2026; selected as board president for 2026-27
Yolanda Franklin, board vice president
785-330-2733
[email protected]
Facebook page
First elected in 2023; selected as board vice president for 2026-27
Carole Cadue-Blackwood
785-330-1712
[email protected]
Facebook page
First elected in 2019; reelected in 2023
GR Gordon-Ross
785-330-1464
[email protected]
Facebook page
First elected in 2017; appointed to the board in 2022; elected in 2023; selected as board president for 2025-26
Kelly Jones
785-330-2237
[email protected]
Facebook page
First elected in 2017; reelected in 2021; reelected again in 2025
Shannon Kimball
785-330-1704
[email protected]
Facebook page
First elected in 2011; reelected in 2015 and 2019; reelected to a two-year term in 2023; reelected to a four-year term in 2025
Matt Lancaster
785-330-4424
[email protected]
Bluesky page
First elected in 2025
Send all board members written correspondence via email at [email protected], or via mail:
In care of Board Clerk at USD 497
110 McDonald Drive
Lawrence, KS 66044
To give public comment virtually during a board meeting, email [email protected] by 6 p.m. on the day of the meeting to sign up to participate by Webex video/phone conferencing.
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