LATEST
Lawrence school board gives cell phone policy initial approval after district suggests ‘guidance’ in opposition
Lawrence school board members on Monday gave initial approval to a draft cell phone policy, despite district administrators proposing guidance that directly conflicts with the draft as it’s written.
MORE USD 497 & K-12 EDUCATION NEWS
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.
Meet the 8 applicants seeking a seat on the Lawrence school board
Eight people have applied for a vacant Lawrence school board seat, and whoever is selected will serve through January 2026. Meet the applicants and find out why they want to serve.
Tentative contract for Lawrence school district teachers provides raises for all, stipend for SPED teachers
All teachers in the Lawrence school district will receive raises next year under a tentative agreement between the district and its teachers union. The contract will also catch up teachers who did not receive raises in past years and provide additional financial support to special education teachers.
Lawrence school district will likely see more state funding, but other factors complicate budget process
The Lawrence school district is projecting that an increase to per-pupil funding from the state will add $4 million to next year’s budget, but other factors could offset that increase.