LATEST
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
Lawrence school board approves restorative practices for severe behavior incidents, sets new student fees
The Lawrence school board on Monday approved the next step of the district’s restorative practice model, which will apply the practices to more severe student behaviors.
Lawrence school board to look to approve student fees
The Lawrence school board on Monday will look to approve student enrollment fees, including instructional fees, device fees and extra activity fees that will go into effect this fall.
Meet the 2023 Lawrence school board candidates
Five Lawrence school board seats are going to be decided on Tuesday, Nov. 7. Meet the 12 candidates who are running to serve.
Former Pinckney Elementary parent raising funds for ‘buddy benches’ at students’ new schools
A former Pinckney Elementary parent is working with an arts-based youth program to bring memories of the now-closed school to students’ new schools.
Hillcrest PTO raising money, partnering with KU class to build shade pavilion at accessible playground
Hillcrest Elementary parents and teachers are partnering with a KU architecture class and raising funds to install a shade structure over the picnic table area at the school’s accessible playground.
Classified staff, teachers in Lawrence school district will see raises next year; new contracts ratified
Classified staff and teachers in the Lawrence school district will receive raises next year after the school board on Monday ratified contracts negotiated by the district and its unions.
Lawrence school board extends superintendent’s contract; it doubles his retirement benefits, keeps raise from last year
The Lawrence school board on Monday approved a contract extension for Superintendent Anthony Lewis that more than doubles his annual retirement benefits. He received a salary increase of $2,765 last year in between contract extensions.
Lawrence school board primary candidates discuss systemic inequities during NAACP forum
Candidates vying for a two-year term on the Lawrence school board during a forum Saturday discussed issues of equity and systemic racism in Lawrence Public Schools.
Lawrence school board to look to approve district employee raises, extend superintendent’s contract
Lawrence school board members on Monday will consider approving contracts with raises for the classified staff and teachers unions. They’ll also consider extending the superintendent’s contract through 2025-26.
Lawrence school board candidates address staff retention during forum
Candidates for Lawrence school board agreed Saturday that they don’t support any form of privatization of public schools. They had differing views on how to stabilize the district’s workforce, however.
Lawrence Virtual School principal resigns; interim assistant principal selected for West Middle School
Susan Cooper, principal of Lawrence Virtual School, has stepped down to take a position with another district. In addition, Lysette DeBoard has been named interim assistant principal and athletic director for West Middle School.
Lawrence school board selects Bob Byers as new member
The Lawrence school board on Monday selected Bob Byers to fill a vacant board seat for the remainder of the term, through Jan. 12, 2026.
Lawrence school board to select an applicant to fill vacant seat
Lawrence school board members on Monday will choose an applicant to fill a vacant seat through Jan. 12, 2026. They’ll also consider an MOU with the Lawrence Police Department, and facility rental guidelines and fees.
Lawrence school board narrows applicants for vacant seat to 4; interviews scheduled for next week
The Lawrence school board on Tuesday chose four applicants to move forward in the process of filling a vacant seat on the board.
Lawrence school board to pick 4 applicants to advance in process of filling vacant seat
The Lawrence school board on Tuesday will choose four applicants to advance to interviews for a vacant seat on the board.