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Lawrence school board gives cell phone policy initial approval after district suggests ‘guidance’ in opposition
Lawrence school board members on Monday gave initial approval to a draft cell phone policy, despite district administrators proposing guidance that directly conflicts with the draft as it’s written.
Lawrence parents weigh advantages, concerns of cell phone-free schools; school board to vote on policy
A new policy imposing a cell-phone free instructional day is on the table, and while some Lawrence parents believe it would better support teachers, others said they’re worried about the safety implications.
Tom Harper/Lawrence Times
Reminder: Lawrence Municipal Court moving into City Hall starting Monday
Lawrence’s Municipal Court proceedings will be held in city hall beginning Monday.
Douglas County commissioners open to bringing Senior Resource Center in as a department
The Senior Resource Center for Douglas County provides a wealth of resources for older people and their families, but at a cost. Becoming a county department could help the center find stability, the SRC’s director told county commissioners on Wednesday.
Lawrence school board gives cell phone policy initial approval after district suggests ‘guidance’ in opposition
Lawrence school board members on Monday gave initial approval to a draft cell phone policy, despite district administrators proposing guidance that directly conflicts with the draft as it’s written.
Latest – All local government news
Maya Hodison/Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board to consider $100K contract for enrollment analysis, renewing Gaggle for $53K
Another contract with RSP & Associates, a consulting firm that provides analyses for the Lawrence school district, and a renewal for the district’s student surveillance software are up for the school board’s consideration Monday.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
City budget would hike property taxes, seek to double .05% sales tax to support homelessness solutions
The Lawrence city manager’s proposed budget for 2025 would increase the property tax rate, and it proposes asking voters to double the .05% affordable housing sales tax to support homelessness initiatives. It would also cut some of Parks & Rec’s budget.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Better luck next year? City of Lawrence will have $30K credit for drone show in 2025
The City of Lawrence has a $30,000 credit for a drone show set for July 3, 2025, following technical difficulties that prevented the drones from functioning Wednesday evening.
Lawrence city Commission
Lawrence city commissioners defend city staff amid divided community opinions on pool renovations
City commissioners on Tuesday approved a nearly $550K payment to an architecture firm to design a renovation of the outdoor pool, but most of the discussion centered on broader frustrations from community members.
Lawrence City Commission general public comment for Nov. 19, 2024
Here’s the general public comment for the Lawrence City Commission’s Tuesday meeting, as public comment is no longer being broadcast.
Lawrence City Commission favors lot near 8th and Vermont for downtown transit station
Most Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday indicated that they prefer a parking lot in the 700 block of Vermont Street for the site of the planned downtown transit station.
Douglas County Commission
Douglas County commissioners open to bringing Senior Resource Center in as a department
The Senior Resource Center for Douglas County provides a wealth of resources for older people and their families, but at a cost. Becoming a county department could help the center find stability, the SRC’s director told county commissioners on Wednesday.
Election results: Douglas County Commission incumbents to hang on; Democrat wins district attorney race
Voters have decided 4 of 5 Douglas County Commission seats and the county’s top prosecutor position. With most votes counted, incumbent commissioners will keep their seats, and Democrat Dakota Loomis will be the next DA.
Here’s how much money Douglas County-level candidates have raised and spent
Douglas County voters will choose a new district attorney and four out of five commissioners in Tuesday’s election. Here’s a glance at the candidates’ campaign contributions, expenditures and more.
Lawrence School Board
Lawrence elected leaders face threats, polarization in a changing climate for public servants
When she first ran for election to the Lawrence school board more than a decade ago, Shannon Kimball wanted to help her community and her city’s public schools. Her most recent term has shown her a side of the job she hadn’t seen before.
Carter Gaskins/Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board member Andrew Nussbaum steps down
Andrew Nussbaum, elected to the Lawrence school board in November, has submitted his resignation, effective immediately.
Lawrence school board votes 4-3 against fees for students who qualify for reduced-price meals
Lawrence school district families who qualify for reduced-price meals will have to budget for meal costs for the upcoming school year, but not for additional student fees, the school board decided during its meeting Monday.
