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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.
Latest – All local government news
Lawrence Community Shelter could face $2M budget shortfall; funding agreement with city in the works
The Lawrence Community Shelter will likely be almost $2.1 million over budget in 2024 if it is fully staffed and it provides staffing for the city’s Pallet shelter village.
Lawrence City Commission selects Littlejohn as mayor, Dever as vice mayor
Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday stuck with tradition in choosing the mayor and vice mayor for the next year: Bart Littlejohn and Mike Dever, respectively.
Dever, Finkeldei and Sellers sworn in as Lawrence city commissioners
Amber Sellers said as she was sworn in for her second term as a Lawrence city commissioner Tuesday evening that she stood on the shoulders of her ancestors, others who came before her, and Shirley Chisholm.
Lawrence city Commission
People living outside, advocates tell Lawrence City Commission trust is broken
Following an update on the city’s homelessness programs, many Lawrence community members who are living outside and advocates told city commissioners Tuesday that the city has broken their trust.
City of Lawrence closes sanctioned camp; confusion ensues for some people staying nearby
The City of Lawrence has closed the sanctioned camp for people experiencing homelessness, but some people who have been staying in camps nearby are confused about where they can and cannot be until camping in the area is banned in a month.
City of Lawrence plans: Open Pallet village, prohibit camping, establish police office downtown
The City of Lawrence is planning to open a village of shelters for people experiencing homelessness Monday, soon end support at the sanctioned North Lawrence campsite, prohibit camping in that area and establish an office for police officers who will patrol downtown full time.
Douglas County Commission
Douglas County Commission hears more about proposed solar farm; will vote on project in April
Douglas County commissioners on Wednesday held a work session to discuss a permit for a proposed massive solar farm north of Lawrence, the first of two meetings focused on the project.
Douglas County Commission’s meetings on proposed solar farm coming up; dates set to discuss wind energy regulations
Douglas County commissioners will hold a work session on Wednesday and a special Saturday meeting next month to discuss a permit for a massive solar farm north of Lawrence. The commission has also set dates to consider changes to wind energy regulations.
Majority of charges against Kansas Holistic Defenders’ clients get dismissed, report shows
The attorneys of Kansas Holistic Defenders saw two-thirds of their clients’ misdemeanor charges dismissed or poised for likely dismissal from September 2022 through September 2023.
Lawrence School Board
Lawrence school district graduation rates have increased, accreditation report shows
High school graduation rates in the Lawrence school district increased last year, adding onto its gradual improvement over the years, a new accreditation report states.
Lawrence school board approves calendar for next year with 5-day weeks
The Lawrence school board on Monday approved the district’s 2023-24 school calendar that keeps students in attendance five days a week. Research on a four-day week option will be presented to the board next month.
Lawrence school board to consider approving next year’s school calendar, hear accreditation report
The Lawrence school board on Monday will consider a draft school calendar for 2023-24, which includes a few changes but keeps five-day weeks — for now. A four-day student week proposal will come back to the board next month.