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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.
MORE USD 497 & K-12 EDUCATION NEWS
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‘Classics in South Park’ concert to feature Free State chamber orchestra
The Lawrence-based nonprofit Mid-America Performing Arts Alliance will open its season Tuesday with a free concert featuring the Free State High School Chamber Orchestra.
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Lawrence school board candidate arrested on suspicion of DUI
A man running for Lawrence school board was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence Saturday, according to jail records.
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Robby Steinhardt Foundation to launch scholarship with proceeds from auctioning platinum Kansas album
A piece of rock history is up for grabs as the Robby Steinhardt Foundation is auctioning a rare platinum album owned by the world-renowned violinist who was a founding member of the band Kansas.
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Liberty Memorial Central Middle School may become a STEAM school
Liberty Memorial Central Middle School is on track to potentially transition into a school focused on STEAM — Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math — next year.
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Lawrence school board to hear update on middle school redesign committee
The Lawrence school board will hear a report Tuesday on the committee that is working to redesign or repurpose Liberty Memorial Central Middle School.
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Navigating family losses, Lawrence girl will represent city in national pageant competition
When Tay’Jah Franklin, 13, walks the stage at pageants, she never feels like she’s walking alone. She knows her family is beside her. She’ll soon compete as Miss Lawrence in the National American Miss Pageant.
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Lawrence police investigate bomb threat at Billy Mills Middle School, say it isn’t credible
Lawrence police Thursday morning were investigating a reported bomb threat at Billy Mills Middle School, according to emails from administrators.
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Save the dates: Lawrence City Commission, school board candidate forums coming up
Lawrence voters will have more chances to get to know the candidates vying for the elected positions that most directly affect day-to-day life.
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Meet the 2023 Lawrence school board candidates
Five Lawrence school board seats are going to be decided on Tuesday, Nov. 7. Meet the 11 candidates who are running to serve.
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Truancy prevention program flyer raises red flags as Lawrence school board considers approving partnership
Before the Lawrence school district partners with local agencies on a truancy prevention program, school board members want to know how a flyer that portrays a Black student as a program participant nearly made it to print.
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8 Lawrence students named as National Merit semifinalists
Eight students from three Lawrence high schools have achieved National Merit semifinalist status.
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Lawrence school board approves budget with property tax increase, solar energy pilot project
The Lawrence school board on Monday approved a budget that will increase property taxes and agreed to move forward with a solar energy project that staff said will pay off in the long term.
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Lawrence school board to vote on budget with mill levy increase, consider solar energy proposal
The Lawrence school board on Monday will vote on the district’s final 2023-24 budget, which would increase property taxes, and hear a proposal for a solar energy project.
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U.S. Secretary of Education praises KU, K-12 integration, TRIO program in national bus tour kickoff
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said during a visit to KU Tuesday that federal education programs for disadvantaged students will change lives and lift people up through the education system.
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Lawrence school district partners with county to prevent truancy
The Lawrence school district is partnering with county agencies and the DA’s office to hopefully prevent students from being introduced to the criminal legal system for missing too much school.