High school graduation rates in the Lawrence school district increased last year, adding onto its gradual improvement over the years, a new accreditation report states.
The Lawrence school board on Monday approved the district’s 2023-24 school calendar that keeps students in attendance five days a week. Research on a four-day week option will be presented to the board next month.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
The Lawrence school board on Monday will consider a draft school calendar for 2023-24, which includes a few changes but keeps five-day weeks — for now. A four-day student week proposal will come back to the board next month.
Chronic absenteeism has increased in Lawrence Public Schools since the first quarter, data in recent district reports shows; meanwhile, increased behavior incidents in middle schools need tailored approaches, administrators say.
Despite commentary from students and faculty that switching high school students from MacBooks to iPads would cause concerns about equity, efficiency and students’ ability to succeed, the Lawrence school board on Monday voted to approve the switch.
The Lawrence school board on Monday will consider a high school technology switch to iPad tablets instead of MacBook laptops.
Lawrence schools are expected to steadily decrease in enrollment over the next five years, causing district budget concerns as well as questions about the future of the Lawrence community as a whole.
The consulting firm hired by the Lawrence school district will report its progress to the school board on Monday, including projections of declining enrollment and a possible budget scenario that would close three schools next year.
Lawrence school board members heard a report Monday on how students, families and staff are benefiting from the current structure of the district’s early childhood education programs, as well as future goals for improvement.
The Lawrence school district’s certified teachers union is considering changes to the salary matrix to improve recruitment and retention, including more equal pay movement.
