Cuyler Dunn/Lawrence Times
The Lawrence school district’s Boundary Advisory Committee on Wednesday discussed the possible closure of Hillcrest Elementary and its English as a Second Language program, as well as possible implications of the school board’s looming decision on budget cuts.
As the Lawrence school board prepares to soon approve final budget cuts for next year, board members asked district administrators for more concrete details about plans for school closures and more.
Maya Hodison/Lawrence Times
The Lawrence school district’s budget committee’s recommendation for the 2023-24 year remained unspecified at the end of the group’s final meeting Wednesday, but the committee did learn how elementary and middle schools scored on an assessment of district facilities.
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.
Maya Hodison/Lawrence Times
Lawrence community members are invited to participate in two public input sessions this week to discuss a tentative school district budget proposal that includes four-day school weeks and closures of three schools.
Maya Hodison/Lawrence Times
The Lawrence school district’s Futures Planning Committee on Wednesday in a preliminary vote advanced a budget scenario suggesting a four-day school week, closing two elementary schools and a middle school, and cutting a district administration position.
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.
Some Lawrence high schoolers are using iPads this fall as part of a pilot program. The devices are under consideration for a broader rollout, to replace laptops as a cost-cutting measure.
