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Lawrence school board to take final votes on two elementary school closures
After hearing from dozens of community members on Saturday, Lawrence school board members will decide Monday whether or not to close one or two elementary schools after the end of this school year.
MORE USD 497 & K-12 EDUCATION NEWS

‘You’re breaking up a family’: Pinckney community discusses the support system the school provides
Members of the Pinckney Elementary School community frequently teared up on Saturday afternoon as they told Lawrence school board members why the small school is so special.

Broken Arrow parents plead with Lawrence school board to keep the school open
A school is more than just a building, said parents, students and other community members Saturday at a public hearing on the possible closure of Broken Arrow Elementary. Instead, they said, it’s part of a community.

Save Our Schools 497 plans to livestream public hearings on Broken Arrow, Pinckney closures
Local activist group Save Our Schools 497 has tentative plans to livestream Saturday’s public hearings on possible closures of Broken Arrow and Pinckney elementary schools.

Lawrence school district releases new proposed boundary map ahead of closure hearings
The Lawrence school district has released a map showing how elementary boundaries could change if the school board chooses to move forward with closing two elementary schools after public hearings, which are set for Saturday.

Lawrence school district’s boundary committee agrees on proposal; final map not yet public
As two Lawrence elementary schools potentially face closures, the school district’s Boundary Advisory Committee on Wednesday evening decided on a proposal for new boundaries, though it’s still unclear what they’ll look like.

Free child care to be provided during public hearings on two elementary school closures; no livestreams available
Public hearings on the potential closures of Broken Arrow and Pinckney elementary schools will be held in person only, but the district will provide free, on-site child care for school-age children.

Lawrence school district boundary committee’s ‘baseline’ plan would shift several elementary schools’ boundaries
A proposal for new school boundaries will set the foundation for which schools elementary students may be assigned to next year, including possible changes for students whose schools are not facing possible closures.

Lawrence school district leaders outline budget challenges for crowd at Chamber luncheon
Inadequate state funding for public schools and special education has greatly contributed to the Lawrence school district’s current budget crisis and a need to consolidate schools, district leaders told the crowd at a Chamber luncheon Wednesday.

Public hearings on two Lawrence elementary school closures scheduled
The Lawrence school district announced Monday morning it will hold public hearings at the end of March on the possible closures of Broken Arrow and Pinckney elementary schools.

Lawrence school board to complete annual superintendent evaluation
Lawrence school board members on Monday will complete their annual evaluation of the district superintendent, Anthony Lewis.

Free State High School orchestra selected to perform in esteemed festival
Free State High School orchestra members have been selected to perform in an annual festival with youth orchestras from across Kansas and Missouri.

District committee considers schools that Broken Arrow, Pinckney students could attend if those schools close
The Lawrence school district’s Boundary Advisory Committee on Wednesday began discussions of possible boundary changes following the school board’s vote to advance hearings over the possible closures of Pinckney and Broken Arrow elementary schools.

Hoax report of active shooter called in at Free State High School, Lawrence police say
The Lawrence Police Department received a call regarding an active shooter at Free State High School Wednesday morning, but it was a hoax call, according to a news release from the department.

Union reps, community members voice concerns about staff cuts and school closures ahead of Lawrence school board vote
Lawrence community members showed up in big numbers to the school board meeting Monday evening, most opposing a budget recommendation to close neighborhood schools. The board heard almost two hours of public comment.

Lawrence school district students, staff and community members rally before school board meeting
Community members joined Lawrence school district staff and students in a rally outside district offices before the school board meeting Monday to voice their concerns regarding a budget cut proposal that included possible closures of multiple schools.