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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
Truancy prevention program flyer raises red flags as Lawrence school board considers approving partnership
Before the Lawrence school district partners with local agencies on a truancy prevention program, school board members want to know how a flyer that portrays a Black student as a program participant nearly made it to print.
Douglas County commissioners approve policy to pay people with lived experience for service on boards
Douglas County commissioners on Wednesday approved a policy for county staff to pay people who have lived experience for their time and work on boards.
New systems will boost records efficiency, make city codes more accessible, Lawrence city clerk says
The City of Lawrence is implementing new systems that will help speed up responses to record requests, make city codes easier for the public to navigate and more.
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 board to start meeting with budget work session
The Lawrence school board’s Monday meeting will begin with a 90-minute work session on the budget, then proceed to a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m.
‘Caught off guard’: Lawrence community members share their concerns about school closure proposals
The Save Our Schools 497 group has hosted community meetings and rallies with more to come soon. But these efforts are just the top layer of organizers’ work, and the enthusiasm shown in these demonstrations is a veneer on top of deep concerns for many families.
Lawrence school board sets special meeting to consider school closures, other budget proposals
Lawrence school board President Erica Hill has called a special meeting of the board to discuss cost-cutting proposals, which could include school closures.