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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.
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
Lawrence police, school district to team up for forum on fentanyl risks
An upcoming forum aims to help attendees understand the risks of illicit fentanyl with the goal of reducing the drug’s impact on the community.
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times
Lawrence school district’s Futures Planning Committee members express frustration with budget cut process
The Lawrence school district’s Futures Planning Committee members expressed frustration during their meeting Thursday evening, saying that the process to select and implement a budget cut proposal has felt performative rather than collaborative.
West Middle School evacuated after report of ‘threat that could be considered a bomb threat’
West Middle School students have evacuated the building as a safety precaution “following a report of a written threat that could be considered a bomb threat left on a technology device yesterday,” according to the school district.
Lawrence school administrators discuss chronic absenteeism, behavior approaches in report to board
Chronic absenteeism has increased in Lawrence Public Schools since the first quarter, data in recent district reports shows; meanwhile, increased behavior incidents in middle schools need tailored approaches, administrators say.
Lawrence school board approves switching from MacBooks to iPads for high school students
Despite commentary from students and faculty that switching high school students from MacBooks to iPads would cause concerns about equity, efficiency and students’ ability to succeed, the Lawrence school board on Monday voted to approve the switch.
Lawrence school district selects music teacher, union leader as assistant director of human resources
The Lawrence school district has announced Megan Epperson, Broken Arrow and elementary lead music teacher and current interim vice president of the Lawrence teachers union, as assistant director of human resources.
Lawrence school board to consider switching from laptops to iPads for high school students
The Lawrence school board on Monday will consider a high school technology switch to iPad tablets instead of MacBook laptops.
Tricia Masenthin/Lawrence Times
Bearded dragons’ first egg clutch doesn’t hatch babies, but ‘Mother of Dragons’ remains hopeful
Chef Camille Eichorn’s students will have to wait to adopt their culinary arts classroom’s next generation of bearded dragons. Da Vinci and Mucha’s first clutch of fertilized eggs didn’t bear baby beardies, but Eichorn and her students won’t give up — and they’re asking for the community’s help.
Ovation! to spotlight talents of students in Lawrence Public Schools
Student musicians, comedians, dancers and more will hit the Lied Center stage Sunday for the seventh annual Ovation! talent show, featuring performers from Lawrence’s middle and high schools.
Maya Hodison/Lawrence Times
Community invited to public input sessions with Lawrence school district’s budget planning committee
Lawrence community members are invited to participate in two public input sessions this week to discuss a tentative school district budget proposal that includes four-day school weeks and closures of three schools.
Contributed photo
Free State takes home hardware at state debate tournament; Lawrence High seniors cap off historic season
In a weekend featuring more than a dozen high school debaters from Lawrence, Free State took home second place in the 4-speaker division and sent a team to the semifinals in the 2-speaker division of the state tournament. Meanwhile, two Lawrence High seniors have earned the school’s first bid to the national Tournament of Champions.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Workshop to help high schoolers navigate financial aid process
A workshop coming soon to Lawrence High School will help area students and families learn the basics of financial aid.
Maya Hodison/Lawrence Times
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.
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.
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.
