LATEST
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/LVS-eCybermission-Team-2.jpg?fit=768%2C432&ssl=1)
Lawrence Virtual School team wins national STEM competition
A team of three Lawrence Virtual School students has won the eighth grade division of the eCYBERMISSION National Judging and Educational Event, each student earning a $10,000 savings bond.
MORE USD 497 & K-12 EDUCATION NEWS
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240722-Lawrence-school-board-2.jpg?fit=768%2C432&ssl=1)
Lawrence school district administrators say cell phone ban in draft handbook was a mistake; board approves teacher raises
A districtwide cell phone ban was included in a draft of an updated student handbook, but Lawrence school district administrators said Monday it was a mistake, and high school students would still be permitted to use their phones outside of classes.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240722-Lawrence-school-board-4.jpg?fit=768%2C432&ssl=1)
Outgoing Lawrence superintendent shares parting words with community
At his final school board meeting, outgoing Lawrence Superintendent Anthony Lewis said his hope for the district and greater community is “collaboration over conflict.”
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/20230608-PAL-CWA-rally-8.jpg?fit=758%2C438&ssl=1)
Classified staff in Lawrence school district could see 99-cent raises
The Lawrence school district has offered classified staff members 99-cent raises to their hourly wages as part of a tentative contract agreement.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/20230724-School-Board-Meeting-20.jpg?fit=768%2C432&ssl=1)
Lawrence school board to consider approving teacher raises, handbook that bans cell phone usage
Lawrence teachers could receive raises this fall based on the tentative contract up for the school board’s approval Monday. The board will also consider a new handbook that would ban cellphone usage at school.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/fshs-lhs-boundaries5.jpg?fit=768%2C432&ssl=1)
Lawrence school board seeks applicants for committee to study high school boundaries
The Lawrence school board is seeking community members to serve on the Boundary Advisory Committee, which will be tasked this year with examining boundaries of the district’s two high schools.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/backtoschool24-7.jpg?fit=768%2C432&ssl=1)
When school starts in Lawrence and more you should know for 2024-25 in USD 497
Here’s info on when students go back to Lawrence Public Schools, school supply lists, when breaks are scheduled and much more for the 2024-25 school year.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/P4191034.jpg?fit=768%2C432&ssl=1)
Lawrence school board’s spyware renewal leaves student journalists’ concerns unresolved
Former Lawrence High School students say school board members ignored their concerns with privacy, free speech and intellectual property rights by extending the district’s contract with AI surveillance company Gaggle.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/USD497_2_04052021.jpg?fit=763%2C438&ssl=1)
Lawrence school board to hold special meeting for contract negotiations
The Lawrence school board will hold a special closed-door-only meeting Tuesday to discuss contract negotiations and personnel matters.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/202407-New-York-Elementary-1.jpg?fit=683%2C438&ssl=1)
As Montessori phases in, New York Elementary teachers left without jobs leave the district
Almost every traditional classroom teacher at New York Elementary has left the district this year as the school phases in the Montessori method, leaving teachers who can’t afford the time or cost of training without a job at the school.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240708-Lawrence-school-board-3.jpg?fit=768%2C432&ssl=1)
Lawrence school board renews contract for AI student monitoring software, increases student meal prices
As part of a busy annual organizational meeting Monday, Lawrence school board members approved a renewal of Gaggle, the district’s student surveillance software, and a 10-cent increase to student meal prices. They also voted on the next board president and VP.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240708-Lawrence-school-board-2.jpg?fit=768%2C432&ssl=1)
Lawrence school district will likely pay $65K for boundary analysis; school board postpones approval
The Lawrence school district will likely pay $65,000 for a consultant’s boundary and enrollment analysis, and while some board members voiced concerns about the consultants, others defended the data they deliver.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/englebrick-craig-hare.jpg?fit=768%2C432&ssl=1)
Lawrence school district announces two administrative position changes
The Lawrence school district has announced a new deputy superintendent and executive director of curriculum and instruction, which also represent two changes to administrative position titles.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/20231013-Stock-images-1.jpg?fit=701%2C438&ssl=1)
Lawrence school board to consider increasing meal prices, some student fees
The Lawrence school board on Monday will consider approving a 10-cent increase to lunch and breakfast prices in addition to some student fee increases for the 2024-25 year.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/20230308-Boundary-advisory-cmte-2.jpg?fit=768%2C432&ssl=1)
Lawrence school board to consider $100K contract for enrollment analysis, renewing Gaggle for $53K
Another contract with RSP & Associates, a consulting firm that provides analyses for the Lawrence school district, and a renewal for the district’s student surveillance software are up for the school board’s consideration Monday.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240702-Lawrence-school-board-1.jpg?fit=768%2C432&ssl=1)
Lawrence school board begins search for interim superintendent for 2024-25; position to be filled for following year
An interim superintendent will serve the Lawrence school district for a full year while the school board searches for a permanent appointment.