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Lawrence middle schools hold Model UN conference amid program’s uncertain future
Lawrence middle schoolers held a citywide Model United Nations conference Friday as questions about the program’s future continue, following the school board’s approval of schedule and curriculum changes.
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Lawrence school district’s boundary committee agrees on proposal; final map not yet public
As two Lawrence elementary schools potentially face closures, the school district’s Boundary Advisory Committee on Wednesday evening decided on a proposal for new boundaries, though it’s still unclear what they’ll look like.

GOP-led House endorses K-12 school funding measure bundled with policy from handful of bills
Complex details of the Kansas House’s plan for state funding of K-12 education were woven Wednesday into contents of nine other bills that included policy allowing private school students to take part in extra-curricular activities at public schools and expanding opportunities for more than two-dozen wealthy districts to raise taxes to increase salaries of teachers.

‘Some kids do need Jesus first’: Kansas lawmaker explains voucher-like program to Augusta community
Kansas children don’t generally find a “spiritual perspective” in public schools, Rep. Kristey Williams said, defending a voucher-like program that would funnel state tax dollars to unregulated private schools to her Augusta constituents.

Senate Republicans, Democrats plunge into weeds for rules scuffle on education funding bill
The dustup in the Senate over a bill delivering voucher-like funding to Kansas private schools featured zinger one-liners, rival interpretations of an obscure parliamentary rule and allegations Republican leadership engaged in abuse of power.

Volunteers needed for KU First Nations Student Association’s powwow and festival
Members of KU’s First Nations Student Association are planning their annual Powwow and Indigenous Cultures Festival, and organizers are asking for volunteers to help at the event.

Kansas House narrowly approves education proposal to fund unregulated private schools
The Kansas House passed a wide-ranging bill funneling state funding to unregulated private schools after holdups due to bipartisan concern about the proposal’s effects.

Kansas House advances education program giving state dollars to private schools
Public schools have become a monopoly, Republican lawmakers argued in an attempt to gain support for a far-reaching voucher-like program that would fund unregulated private schools with state dollars.

‘Really rotten bundle:’ Kansas lawmaker, education officials call bill bundling a bad practice
A bill that formerly dealt with naturopathy has been transformed into a wide-ranging public education budget and policy bill, the latest bundle of education bills and amendments rolled into one piece of legislation.

Free child care to be provided during public hearings on two elementary school closures; no livestreams available
Public hearings on the potential closures of Broken Arrow and Pinckney elementary schools will be held in person only, but the district will provide free, on-site child care for school-age children.

‘They’re trying to silence people’: University of Kansas group rallies in support of Iranian women
Members of the University of Kansas Iranian Community Association gathered Wednesday in front of Wescoe Hall to rally in support of Iranian women.

Lawrence school district boundary committee’s ‘baseline’ plan would shift several elementary schools’ boundaries
A proposal for new school boundaries will set the foundation for which schools elementary students may be assigned to next year, including possible changes for students whose schools are not facing possible closures.

Proposed Kansas solution to child care shortage: Slash staff training, expand adult-to-child ratio
Three limited-government organizations, two child facility operators and one state senator Wednesday endorsed legislation crafted to alleviate a shortage of day care options in Kansas by reducing employee training requirements, lowering the minimum age of staff and increasing the ratio of adults-to-children in facilities.

Lawrence school district leaders outline budget challenges for crowd at Chamber luncheon
Inadequate state funding for public schools and special education has greatly contributed to the Lawrence school district’s current budget crisis and a need to consolidate schools, district leaders told the crowd at a Chamber luncheon Wednesday.

KU announces plans to renovate Allen Fieldhouse
The University of Kansas announced plans Wednesday to renovate Allen Fieldhouse, the home of Jayhawk basketball for more than 60 years, featuring premium experiences for fans.

Kansas House panel bundles voucher-like program with teacher, special education spending
The Republican majority on the Kansas House K-12 budget committee bundled into one bill controversial diversion of state tax dollars to private schools with an expansion in state aid for special education in public schools and a mandate half of public school budget increases tied to an inflation index be devoted to raising teacher salaries.