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Lawrence school district administrators say cell phone ban in draft handbook was a mistake; board approves teacher raises
A districtwide cell phone ban was included in a draft of an updated student handbook, but Lawrence school district administrators said Monday it was a mistake, and high school students would still be permitted to use their phones outside of classes.
Latest – All local government news
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Native Lands Restoration Collaborative, Leeway Franks among recipients earning heritage grants
Projects to restore edible native species, create programming around Indigenous food knowledge and several others have received $420,000 in grant money from Douglas County.
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City of Lawrence publishes draft land development code; open house meetings set
A steering committee is seeking feedback on a new draft land development code for Lawrence. The 553-page draft basically modifies the city’s guidelines for what can be built where, and what requirements developments must meet.
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Lawrence ordinance meant to help people with vouchers find housing survives legal challenge
A Douglas County judge has ruled against a group of landlords who sued the City of Lawrence over an ordinance that bans discrimination against some prospective tenants.
Lawrence city Commission
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Lawrence city commissioners have mixed feelings about on-the-go drinking downtown
Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday showed a range of interest in creating a “common consumption area,” which would allow folks to drink alcoholic beverages as they move through downtown.
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Lawrence City Commission general public comment for July 16, 2024
Here’s the general public comment for the Lawrence City Commission’s Tuesday meeting, as public comment is no longer being broadcast.
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Lawrence city commissioners set maximum budget with property tax rate increase
Following some confusion, Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday approved their maximum budget for 2025 with a 3.6-mill increase to property tax rates.
Douglas County Commission
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Meet the candidates for Douglas County Commission District 2
Incumbent Shannon Reid and current Lawrence City Commissioner Lisa Larsen are running as Democrats to represent Douglas County Commission District 2. The candidates shared their thoughts on how wind and solar energy should be handled, property tax reductions and more.
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Meet the candidates for Douglas County Commission District 4
Two Democrats, a Republican and a Libertarian are running to represent Eudora, parts of eastern Lawrence, and east-central Douglas County as the commissioner for new District 4. Candidates shared the personal experiences they believe qualify them, views on solar and wind energy and more.
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Meet the candidates for Douglas County Commission District 3
The incumbent Democrat faces two Republican challengers to represent Douglas County Commission District 3, which includes much of west Lawrence and most of the western side of the county. We asked their positions on wind and solar energy, what issues drove them to run and more.
Lawrence School Board
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Lawrence school board to consider selling land to affordable housing group, paying contractor more
The Lawrence school board on Monday will consider selling surplus property to Tenants to Homeowners, and increasing payment to the contractor the district hired to help with budget planning.
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Native American students participate in cultural activities through Lawrence school district’s support program
Out of the 574 federally recognized tribal nations in the United States, approximately 120 are represented within the Lawrence school district, Kenny St. Pierre told school board members on Monday.
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Restorative practice is ‘alive and well’ in Lawrence school district, administrator says
The Lawrence school board on Monday heard a report from administrators on steps the district is taking to make high levels of achievement more equitable for students, including a restorative approach to behavior incidents.