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Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times
Lawrence school district’s Futures Planning Committee members express frustration with budget cut process
The Lawrence school district’s Futures Planning Committee members expressed frustration during their meeting Thursday evening, saying that the process to select and implement a budget cut proposal has felt performative rather than collaborative.
Advocates’ event to encourage Lawrence community to push back against South Wakarusa Extension
Indigenous community advocates on Thursday will discuss potential harm that could come from the proposed roadway extension of Wakarusa Drive just south of Lawrence, and they invite the public to participate.
City of Lawrence postpones first Community-Police Oversight Work Group meeting
Because of “lingering vacancies and unresolved questions,” the city’s first Community-Police Oversight Work Group meeting has been postponed, according to the city.
Justice Matters to hold meeting on Vera Institute study of incarceration in Douglas County
Lawrence advocacy group Justice Matters invites community members to an educational meeting about a study that highlighted stark racial disparities in incarceration and found that most bookings into the Douglas County jail are for minor, nonviolent charges, among other conclusions.
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times
Lawrence school district’s Futures Planning Committee members express frustration with budget cut process
The Lawrence school district’s Futures Planning Committee members expressed frustration during their meeting Thursday evening, saying that the process to select and implement a budget cut proposal has felt performative rather than collaborative.
Latest – All local government news
Advocates’ event to encourage Lawrence community to push back against South Wakarusa Extension
Indigenous community advocates on Thursday will discuss potential harm that could come from the proposed roadway extension of Wakarusa Drive just south of Lawrence, and they invite the public to participate.
City of Lawrence postpones first Community-Police Oversight Work Group meeting
Because of “lingering vacancies and unresolved questions,” the city’s first Community-Police Oversight Work Group meeting has been postponed, according to the city.
Justice Matters to hold meeting on Vera Institute study of incarceration in Douglas County
Lawrence advocacy group Justice Matters invites community members to an educational meeting about a study that highlighted stark racial disparities in incarceration and found that most bookings into the Douglas County jail are for minor, nonviolent charges, among other conclusions.
Lawrence city Commission
Lawrence City Commission delays tenant source of income protections to address real estate concerns
The Lawrence City Commission on Tuesday delayed final action again on an ordinance change that would no longer allow landlords to deny someone housing based solely on their source of income.
Lawrence City Commission to revisit source of income discrimination following meeting for landlords
City leaders are set to revisit a proposed ordinance Tuesday that advocates say could significantly help people in need of housing. The Lawrence City Commission delayed approval last month to seek feedback from landlords about the proposed tenant protections.
City staff members assert alcohol & drug program funds’ distribution is legal; advisory board member says questions remain
After more than a year spent questioning the process and legality of how the city allocates its special alcohol tax revenue, an advisory board will meet Friday to discuss a staff memo that says the city’s appropriation of the money adheres to the law.
Douglas County Commission
Douglas County Commission approves slightly modified 5-district map; no special election to fill new seats
Douglas County commissioners on Wednesday approved a map dividing the county into five districts, and they will recommend to the governor that the two new commissioners be elected during the 2024 general election.
Weigh in on the proposed 5-district Douglas County Commission map; commissioners expected to vote Wednesday
Douglas County Clerk Jamie Shew and his staff have come up with one more draft of a map to split the county into five commission districts, and commissioners will likely vote on the map Wednesday.
Tricia Masenthin/Lawrence Times
Treatment & Recovery Center reps explain available services during proposed opening phases
Behavioral health staff and leaders said Wednesday no one needing help would be turned away once the Treatment and Recovery Center of Douglas County opens, but they offered up scenarios explaining how inpatient access would be limited, at least for some.
Lawrence School Board
Lawrence school administrators discuss chronic absenteeism, behavior approaches in report to board
Chronic absenteeism has increased in Lawrence Public Schools since the first quarter, data in recent district reports shows; meanwhile, increased behavior incidents in middle schools need tailored approaches, administrators say.
Lawrence school board approves switching from MacBooks to iPads for high school students
Despite commentary from students and faculty that switching high school students from MacBooks to iPads would cause concerns about equity, efficiency and students’ ability to succeed, the Lawrence school board on Monday voted to approve the switch.
Projected enrollment decline causes financial concerns for Lawrence school district
Lawrence schools are expected to steadily decrease in enrollment over the next five years, causing district budget concerns as well as questions about the future of the Lawrence community as a whole.
