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Nathan Kramer
Free State High School’s pop variety show to showcase throwbacks and modern hits
Performers in Encore, Free State High School’s annual spring pop variety show, are gearing up to showcase music for all ages. The show premieres Thursday.
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Lawrence Public Schools • Haskell Indian Nations University • University of Kansas • Academic excellence
MORe Education
University Dance Company spring show to feature aerial artists, more than 50 students
The students of the University Dance Company will be joined by special guests from Kansas City Aerial Arts for their spring concert, coming up Friday through Sunday.
Lawrence teacher pay stagnated near the bottom compared to similar districts as admin pay rose and fell.
Lawrence teachers spent years with wages near the bottom compared to similar sized school districts, along with large pay gaps relative to administrators. But recent efforts to raise teacher wages have helped teacher salaries move closer to other districts.
In Lawrence schools, admin pay grew faster than teachers’ for years. Recent raises have started reversing the trend.
For four years before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the gap between administrators’ salaries and teachers’ salaries in Lawrence Public Schools grew bigger and bigger. That trend has started reversing, but there’s still frustration about the gap.
Lawrence school district superintendent denounces bill banning gender-affirming care for youths
The Lawrence school district superintendent has spoken out against state legislation that would block transgender youths’ access to gender-affirming health care in Kansas.
Lawrence Public Schools’ enrollment has dropped for four straight years. Where the students went is unknown.
All of the 10 largest districts in Kansas saw their enrollment drop during the pandemic-riddled 2020-21 school year; all but Lawrence have bounced back to see some enrollment growth in the last few years.
‘What Were You Wearing?’ art installation to give voice to sexual assault survivors
After 10 years of representing a global movement empowering voices of sexual assault survivors, the “What Were You Wearing?” art installation will be hosted at KU in April.
Free State junior achieves highest national speech and debate honor
Free State High School junior Anwen Williams has reached a prestigious milestone after scoring in more than 375 rounds of speech and debate competition so far.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Proposed STEAM middle school schedule includes longer school days, late start Wednesdays
The Lawrence school district’s planned STEAM middle school could have a late start in addition to early dismissal on Wednesdays, longer school days, and other factors differing from the other middle schools.
Lawrence school district looks to staffing incentives, other cost-saving ideas as enrollment declines
As enrollment keeps trending downward, Lawrence school board members on Monday heard some additional details about possible ways to cut costs, including hiring specialized positions rather than going through contractors.
Lawrence school board president, superintendent say reinstated administrative positions are necessary to support principals
The Lawrence school district’s superintendent and school board president on Monday defended the reinstatement of two administrative positions that had previously been cut from the district’s budget.
Lawrence school board to hear budget update with data on declining enrollment, ideas to cut costs
As enrollment continues to decline, the Lawrence school district is considering ways to cut costs, such as hiring employees rather than outside contractors and using solar energy, according to a budget update the school board will receive Monday.
Haskell to host four Indigenous musicians at ‘Femme Fest 4’ show
Four Indigenous musicians from around the country will be featured at a femme-empowering show hosted on Haskell Indian Nations University’s campus Sunday.
Two young musicians to perform at ‘Piano Prodigies’ concert in Lawrence
Two young pianists, including a 16-year-old from Lawrence, will be featured at a virtuosic concert this Saturday.
House bill imposes $10,000 fine on Kansas public colleges, universities for misuse of DEI policy
The Kansas House tentatively approved legislation Wednesday imposing a $10,000 fine for every instance in which a public university or college tied student admissions or faculty hiring to an ideological pledge or statement related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
La’Ron Williams clinches second place in Kansas Youth of the Year competition
Free State High School senior La’Ron Williams has won second place in the 2024 Boys & Girls Club Kansas Youth of the Year competition.


