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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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Lawrence school board to hear report on chronic absenteeism, possible interventions
The Lawrence school board on Monday will hear a report about chronic absence rates within the district and learn about proposed solutions.
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City still needs crossing guards for several Lawrence intersections as new school year begins; construction continues near some schools
As the first day of the new school year approaches, 7 crossing guard positions serving 5 Lawrence elementary schools remain unfilled. Construction is also compounding concerns for some parents.
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Lawrence school board approves district’s maximum budget for publication; hearings for final approval set
Property taxes might increase as a result of the Lawrence school district’s increased mill levy, which the Lawrence school board gave initial approval Monday.
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Lawrence school board narrowly approves First Management tax breaks
The Lawrence school board on Monday voted 4-3 to approve tax breaks for First Management Inc. to renovate a downtown building into its new corporate headquarters.
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Statewide policy bans trans girls from girls’ sports; Lawrence school district ‘will not waver’ in support of students
A new statewide policy bars transgender girls from girls’ sports, but the Lawrence school district is still evaluating what compliance will look like and voicing support for trans and gender-nonconforming students and employees.
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Lawrence school board, Douglas County Commission to consider tax breaks for First Management headquarters
The Lawrence school board and Douglas County Commission will soon weigh whether to give First Management Inc. tax breaks to renovate a downtown building into its new corporate headquarters.
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Lawrence school board to consider budget that would raise property taxes, hear report on social media addiction
The Lawrence school board on Monday will consider approving the district’s proposed maximum budget for the upcoming year, which would increase property taxes.
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See where Lawrence City Commission, school board primary candidates fared best
Both the Lawrence City Commission and Lawrence school board primary races showed east-west splits when looking at which candidates came in first at each polling place.
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Dever, Lawrence City Commission incumbents take top 4; Kimball, Miner to advance in school board race
As unofficial final results were handed out for the Lawrence City Commission and school board primary races, multiple candidates emphasized the importance of their strategy as they advance to the general election in November: interacting directly with voters.
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It’s Election Day in Lawrence; here’s what you need to know
Voters today will narrow the fields of Lawrence City Commission and Lawrence school board candidates. Elected officials in those positions make some of the decisions that reach closest to home.
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Lawrence school board primary candidates share views on school closures, relationship with administrators and more
Getting ready to vote? Here are the Lawrence school board primary candidates’ thoughts on the board’s relationship with district administration, the board’s choice to close two schools, and who should make decisions on “controversial” lesson topics.
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Lawrence school district names interim principal of virtual school
The Lawrence school district has named Zach Harwood interim principal of Lawrence Virtual School.
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Lawrence middle school arrival, dismissal times changing; days shortened by 25 minutes
Lawrence middle schools will have new arrival and dismissal times for the upcoming 2023-24 school year, and students will have 25 minutes less time in school each day.
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Lawrence school district programs moving into Pinckney and Broken Arrow buildings
Lawrence school district programs are moving into the former Pinckney and Broken Arrow elementary schools; middle school redesign work is underway; restroom signage is getting more inclusive; and more updates on district facilities.
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One week remains until Election Day in Lawrence; here’s what you need to know
Early voting is underway in Lawrence, and one week remains until the nonpartisan primary Election Day. Here’s what’s on the ballot and how you can cast your vote.