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August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Hillcrest Elementary to host Fiesta de Hillcrest for Lawrence’s Spanish-speaking community
Lawrence’s Spanish-speaking community is invited to an afternoon of games, school information and connections with local organizations during Fiesta de Hillcrest.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Hillcrest Elementary to host Fiesta de Hillcrest for Lawrence’s Spanish-speaking community
Lawrence’s Spanish-speaking community is invited to an afternoon of games, school information and connections with local organizations during Fiesta de Hillcrest.
MORE USD 497 & K-12 EDUCATION NEWS
Courtney Lane / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board president plans return of some public comment
Lawrence school board President Bob Byers said Monday that he plans to restore public comment at board meetings, limiting speakers to comments on items included on that meeting’s agenda at first.
Courtney Lane / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board approves publishing proposed 2026-27 budget
The Lawrence school board on Monday approved publication of its proposed 2026-27 budget that would increase the amount the district collects in property taxes, despite a slight decrease in its overall tax rate.
Lawrence school board to consider approving property tax rate, hear AI update
Lawrence school board members on Monday will consider setting the maximum property tax rate for their upcoming budget, and they’ll hear an update on artificial intelligence.
Jacob Rice / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school district families report bus issues as Durham bus service begins
As Lawrence Public Schools begins its contract with Durham School Services, some families have reported difficulty securing bus service and confirming route enrollment, and longer commutes for some students.
Jacob Rice / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board approves stricter student cell phone policy
The Lawrence school board on Monday unanimously gave final approval to a new cell phone policy prohibiting students from using personal electronic devices throughout the school day.
Jacob Rice / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board approves policy limiting staff social media use for district purposes
Lawrence school board members on Monday approved a policy change that will bar district staff from using social media for two-way communications with students or parents.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board to consider cell phone policy, hear budget overview
Lawrence school board members on Monday will consider final approval of a new bell-to-bell personal electronic device ban, hear an overview of school finance and budget basics and more.
Jacob Rice / Lawrence Times
Former Lawrence school district para charged with child sex crimes will face jury trial
A former Lawrence school district paraeducator was bound over for trial for charges related to allegedly grooming and inappropriately touching a minor and possessing images of child sexual abuse.
When school starts in Lawrence Public Schools and more to know for 2026-27
Here’s info on when students go back to Lawrence Public Schools, when breaks are scheduled, school supply lists and more for the 2026-27 school year.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Lawrence students can get health screenings, free haircuts and more at Kids Expo
Families across Lawrence are invited to the Lawrence Schools Foundation’s third annual Kids Expo, a free back-to-school event packed with resources, giveaways and activities for students and caregivers.
Jacob Rice / Lawrence Times
Lawrence schools to tighten student device policy, in line with state law
The Lawrence school district is shifting to a stricter personal electronic device policy that will require students to keep cell phones out of sight and inaccessible during the school day, bringing the district into compliance with a new state law.
Cuyler Dunn/Lawrence Times
Judge rules Lawrence school district must pay $113K in attorney fees tied to open records violations
A federal judge has ordered Lawrence Public Schools to pay more than $113,000 in attorney fees and costs after finding the district violated the Kansas Open Records Act in bad faith in a case tied to use of student-monitoring software.
Courtney Lane / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board to hear back-to-school update
Lawrence school board members will meet Monday to hear a back-to-school update from Superintendent Jeanice Swift as the district prepares for the 2026-27 school year.
Contributed photo
Cordley Elementary bike bus program will give kids a ‘human pace’ on Friday mornings
A bike bus program at Cordley Elementary School aims to help kids get their wiggles out before class while building better transportation infrastructure and neighborhood connection.
Five Lawrence Lions to be inducted into Hall of Honor
The Lawrence Lions Alumni Association has announced five alumni who will be inducted into the Hall of Honor this year.
