Latest
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.
Maya Hodison/Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board committee to recommend prohibiting cell phone use during school
A draft cell phone policy would prohibit Lawrence school district students from using their phones during school hours, but some exceptions are included and discipline is not a focus of the policy.
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.
Latest – All local government news
Douglas County Commission approves moving $27.5K to health department for suicide prevention work
Douglas County commissioners on Wednesday approved redirecting $27,500 in funds that were set aside for HeadQuarters Kansas’ suicide prevention efforts to a different agency.
Lawrence City Commission general public comment for June 11, 2024
Here’s the general public comment for the Lawrence City Commission’s Tuesday meeting, as public comment is no longer being broadcast.
Lawrence school district, school board to form committee on AI guidelines
The Lawrence school district will be forming an ad hoc committee that’ll create recommendations for guidelines around incorporating artificial intelligence technology into classrooms.
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
August Rudisell/The Lawrence Times
Lawrence school district has high ratio of administrators to students, study finds
A study from the Kansas Association of School Boards shows that of Kansas’ 18 largest districts by enrollment, Lawrence — with a K-12 enrollment of 11,150 and 20 central office administrators — has the third highest ratio, at 557.5 students per administrator.
Lawrence school board blasts state board member for handling of top educator’s racist statements
Several Lawrence school board members expressed anger during their meeting Monday after Kansas Commissioner of Education Randy Watson retained his job despite video showing him making racist comments about Native Americans.
Lawrence Times graphic
Lawrence school board to hear administrative comparison study
Lawrence school board members on Monday will hear a report comparing USD 497’s administrative structures and salaries to comparable and nearby school districts.
