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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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Douglas County Commission approves strategic plan to end homelessness, discusses supportive housing
Douglas County commissioners on Wednesday voted to approve the joint city-county strategic plan to end homelessness and heard an update on supportive housing plans and projects.
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Lawrence Sustainability Advisory Board chair accepts city commission’s challenge
The Lawrence City Commission has approved a resolution to sunset the Sustainability Advisory Board in September — with a challenge to the board to reimagine its own purpose in the interim.
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Lawrence City Commission will no longer broadcast public comment, which will be near ends of meetings
Lawrence city commissioners approved most proposed changes to public comment procedures, including no longer broadcasting general public comment live.
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 explore potential for solar energy use, hear equity update
Lawrence school board members on Monday will meet early to learn about adopting solar energy technology. They will also hear an equity update report on chronic absenteeism, behavioral issues and academic achievement among students.
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Justice Matters to hold its annual assembly seeking action from city, county and school board leaders
Members of Justice Matters, a local coalition of faith-based organizations, on Sunday will ask people in power to commit to creating a more just Lawrence and Douglas County.
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Lawrence school board opposed to 4-day week in the near future
Switching to a four-day student/five-day staff school week could save the Lawrence school district money and provide more plan time for teachers, according to some staff members, but it raises equity concerns for families and students. School board members said Monday they don’t believe the district in the near future will be ready to consider the switch.