Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
During a special meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence school board will consider approving classroom ratios and enrollment capacities for the 2024-25 year based on projected enrollment at each school.
Lawrence school board member Carole Cadue-Blackwood said she had tears in her eyes Monday “because this is a dream come true for me to see more social workers in schools.”
Citing an increased need for more mental health support for students, the Lawrence school district and Bert Nash are hoping to hire 26 social workers to serve schools by 2028.
Attendance and behavior issues among students who transferred from the now-closed Pinckney and Broken Arrow elementary schools last year have improved, a district administrator told the school board Wednesday.
The Lawrence school district is not expecting additional costs associated with transportation for students attending its planned STEAM school, which will most likely have longer school days but maintain early release Wednesdays.
Attendance and behavior has improved among students who transferred from two elementary schools the Lawrence school board closed, according to the district. Board members will also hear an update on plans for the STEAM school at LMCMS.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
The Lawrence school district’s planned STEAM middle school could have a late start in addition to early dismissal on Wednesdays, longer school days, and other factors differing from the other middle schools.
As enrollment keeps trending downward, Lawrence school board members on Monday heard some additional details about possible ways to cut costs, including hiring specialized positions rather than going through contractors.
The Lawrence school district’s superintendent and school board president on Monday defended the reinstatement of two administrative positions that had previously been cut from the district’s budget.
As enrollment continues to decline, the Lawrence school district is considering ways to cut costs, such as hiring employees rather than outside contractors and using solar energy, according to a budget update the school board will receive Monday.
