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Lawrence school board approves tax incentive for downtown development, defers approval of calendars
The Lawrence school board on Tuesday agreed to a tax incentive for developments at the former Reuter buildings and deferred a vote on the district’s 2026-28 calendars to look into adding a paid holiday.
MORE USD 497 & K-12 EDUCATION NEWS
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Extreme cold temperatures persist; Lawrence Public Schools and more to be closed Monday
Lawrence Public Schools will be closed Monday as snow has passed through the area but extremely cold temperatures and wind chills as low as 22° below will continue for another day. Find details and more closures here.
Lawrence school board to consider tax incentive for downtown development, approving 2026-28 calendars
The Lawrence school board on Tuesday will consider approving a tax incentive for developments at the former Reuter buildings, multiyear district calendars for 2026-27 and 2027-28, and a 4.5% increase to preschool tuition.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
New nontraditional Lawrence high school will offer flexible schedules; small staff will instruct
Choice Campus at Centennial will open in August with one main goal: getting Lawrence high schoolers to graduate, one way or another.
Lawrence Junior Youth, Youth of the Year to be selected at a single ceremony
Judges will select the 2026 Lawrence Youth of the Year and Junior Youth of the Year in a joint ceremony next week when candidates deliver speeches to family, friends and community members.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence superintendent to seek feedback at community meetings this winter
The Lawrence school district superintendent will soon host a series of meetings to elicit feedback from students, staff, families and the local community.
Lawrence school district names next Sunset Hill Elementary principal
The Lawrence school board on Monday approved hiring Courtney Ellis as the next principal of Sunset Hill Elementary School.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board hires consultant for enrollment projections, online map
The Lawrence school board on Monday approved a contract with a familiar consulting firm to complete enrollment projections and launch an updated online map for the district.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
New and reelected Lawrence school board members sworn in
The newly elected and reelected Lawrence school board members took their oaths on Monday to serve Lawrence Public Schools.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board to consider hiring consultants for enrollment projections, online map
The Lawrence school board on Monday will consider contracting with a consulting firm to complete enrollment projections and launch an online map for the district. Four board members will also begin their new terms.
Contributed photo
Former Lawrence substitute teacher, basketball coach and community mentor dies at 79
Craig Butler was known for far more than the bass heard in the words he spoke. He also helped many Lawrence youths find their own voices.
Contributed photo
Free State High School troupe selected to perform at Wichita festival; local performance to send them off
Free State High School theatre students will take “The Addams Family: School Edition” on the road after being selected as one of five schools statewide to participate in the Kansas Thespian Festival.
Contributed photo
Deerfield Elementary teacher earns Dedication to Education award
Melissa Clover, a fourth grade teacher at Deerfield Elementary School, was surprised Monday with an award for her dedication to student success.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board to meet for midyear evaluation of superintendent
The Lawrence school board has called a special meeting to complete a midyear evaluation of Superintendent Jeanice Swift.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school district para had unlawful relationship with student, court documents allege
A former paraeducator in the Lawrence school district carried out an inappropriate relationship with a middle schooler, and in one instance touched the student against his will, court documents allege.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school district to add preschool classrooms at two more neighborhood schools
Classrooms for 3- and 4-year-olds will open at two Lawrence neighborhood schools in fall 2026, increasing preschool availability in the district to six buildings.





