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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 district’s Futures Planning Committee favors 4-day weeks, closing 3 buildings
The Lawrence school district’s Futures Planning Committee on Wednesday in a preliminary vote advanced a budget scenario suggesting a four-day school week, closing two elementary schools and a middle school, and cutting a district administration position.
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Projected enrollment decline causes financial concerns for Lawrence school district
Lawrence schools are expected to steadily decrease in enrollment over the next five years, causing district budget concerns as well as questions about the future of the Lawrence community as a whole.
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Lawrence school board to hear enrollment projections from consulting firm, update on Futures Planning Committee
The consulting firm hired by the Lawrence school district will report its progress to the school board on Monday, including projections of declining enrollment and a possible budget scenario that would close three schools next year.
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Lawrence Public Schools’ director of HR resigning
Sarah Hamlin, director of Human Resources for the Lawrence school district, is resigning effective immediately, according to a news release from the district.
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Quail Run Elementary teacher wins Kansas Horizon Award for excellent teaching
Quail Run Elementary School teacher Julia Ferguson has been chosen to receive a Kansas Horizon Award for her positive impact on education in the state.
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‘Mother of Dragons’ and her reptiles create welcoming space for culinary arts students
Chef Camille Eichorn promotes an open-door policy in her culinary arts classroom at the Lawrence College and Career Center. That’s mostly in the figurative sense, though — the room is home to bearded dragons Da Vinci and Mucha, and they mustn’t leave without a proper escort.
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Lawrence school district budget scenario would close 2 elementary schools, 1 middle school
The Lawrence school district is considering a possible scenario for its budget plan that would include closing two elementary schools and one middle school.
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Kennedy staff members share progress of Lawrence school district’s early childhood education services
Lawrence school board members heard a report Monday on how students, families and staff are benefiting from the current structure of the district’s early childhood education programs, as well as future goals for improvement.
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Lawrence teachers union may consider option to ‘equalize’ teacher pay in salary matrix
The Lawrence school district’s certified teachers union is considering changes to the salary matrix to improve recruitment and retention, including more equal pay movement.
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Lawrence school district piloting iPads at high schools as possible replacement for MacBooks
Some Lawrence high schoolers are using iPads this fall as part of a pilot program. The devices are under consideration for a broader rollout, to replace laptops as a cost-cutting measure.
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Retired Lawrence teacher, coach Pat Grzenda inducted into KSHSAA Hall of Fame
Retired Lawrence school district teacher and coach Patricia “Pat” Grzenda has been inducted into the KSHSAA Class of 2023 Hall of Fame.
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Lawrence school board to hear reports on teacher salary matrix, early childhood services
The Lawrence school board on Monday will hear two reports: one from the teachers union comparing teacher salaries to those in other districts, and one on early childhood education services.
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Lawrence school district alumni come back to coach, cultivate new wave of sports culture
These former Lawrence High and Free State student-athletes have returned to coach at their alma maters. They’re working to improve the culture of youth sports for their athletes today.
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Lawrence school district’s planning committee concerned about ‘skewed’ survey results
Members of the Lawrence school district’s committee for budget and facility planning expressed discontent with a district survey aimed at gaining the community’s feedback on budget cuts.
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Lawrence school district’s Futures Planning Committee to discuss enrollment, school boundaries
The Lawrence school district’s committee for budget and facility planning will meet Wednesday to discuss future enrollment, which a consultant projects will steadily decrease.