LATEST
Cuyler Dunn/Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board members float legal options to push for more special education funding
As state funding lags, some Lawrence school board members have suggested legal action may be the best way to force the Kansas Legislature to adequately fund special education.
Cuyler Dunn/Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board members float legal options to push for more special education funding
As state funding lags, some Lawrence school board members have suggested legal action may be the best way to force the Kansas Legislature to adequately fund special education.
MORE USD 497 BUDGET COVERAGE
August Rudisell / The Lawrence Times
Lawrence school district apologizes for inaccurate data shared on budget options
The Lawrence school district shared breakdowns of three cost-cutting options during a meeting Wednesday evening — but some of the data was inaccurate.
August Rudisell / The Lawrence Times
3 options for Lawrence school district budget shortfall lean on school closures, major cuts to programs and staffing
Months of work by Lawrence school district committees has resulted in three cost-saving proposals formulated by district leadership. School closures remain on the table in two options, and significant reductions to staffing and programs in all scenarios would help fill a multimillion-dollar shortfall.
Lawrence Times graphic
Lawrence school district’s budget committee to conduct equity analysis of cost-cutting proposals
As conversations continue about how the Lawrence school district can patch its budget shortfall, committee members will use this equity impact analysis tool to examine cost-cutting proposals.
Carter Gaskins / The Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board sets special meeting to consider school closures, other budget proposals
Lawrence school board President Erica Hill has called a special meeting of the board to discuss cost-cutting proposals, which could include school closures.
Sydney Farokhi Clark/Contributed
Sunset Hill librarian reflects on evolution of ‘dream job’ as budget cuts threaten its future
Fallon Farokhi strives to spark a love of learning for nearly 400 Sunset Hill students. With librarian positions facing possible cuts, it’s a tough time for her to imagine not doing her dream job in her dream district.
Screenshot
Lawrence school district’s budget committee supports school closures, initial poll indicates
Closing a middle school and two or more elementary schools; sharing staff across high schools; and cutting some special education support positions were some of the top-ranked cost-cutting proposals that members of the Lawrence school district’s Budget and Program Evaluation Committee indicated they would support.
Carter Gaskins / Lawrence Times file photo
Longtime Lawrence school board member explains how district’s budget crisis has unfolded
Lawrence school board Vice President Shannon Kimball took the board commentary portion of Monday’s meeting as an opportunity to provide some insight into the history of USD 497’s funding woes.
Lawrence Times file photos
Lawrence Public Schools considering closing several schools in proposed scenarios
Multiple school closings were proposed to the Lawrence school district’s Boundary Advisory Committee Wednesday in an attempt to lessen an impending budget crisis.
August Rudisell/The Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board to hear COVID update, consider goals for cash reserves and more
The Lawrence school board — including two new members — on Monday will hear an update from the superintendent about COVID-19, consider recommendations for contingency funds in the district’s budget and more.
Organizers promise to keep fighting for gymnastics program in Lawrence public schools
Supporters of Firelions gymnastics at the Lawrence school district’s two high schools have ramped up efforts to keep the program afloat with the launch of an online petition. They’re also vowing to make “a large presence” at the school board meeting Monday.
Lawrence school board vets ideas to fill multimillion-dollar budget gap
Many questions and few answers came out of the Lawrence school board’s review of potential cost-savings ideas Monday during a special meeting to discuss the district’s budget deficit.
Tricia Masenthin/The Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board to hold special meeting to discuss budget-cut proposals
Inside 300 pages of cost-trimming ideas for the Lawrence school board’s consideration are proposals to combine low-enrollment classes at high schools, restructure middle schools and more.
