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Lawrence parents weigh advantages, concerns of cell phone-free schools; school board to vote on policy
A new policy imposing a cell-phone free instructional day is on the table, and while some Lawrence parents believe it would better support teachers, others said they’re worried about the safety implications.
MORE USD 497 & K-12 EDUCATION NEWS
Billy Mills Middle School student allegedly made comment about having gun; threat deemed not credible
Lawrence police have determined there’s no credible threat after a Billy Mills Middle School student allegedly made a comment in class about bringing a gun to school.
Lawrence school board approves maximum budget for 2024-25, including slight property tax rate increase
Property taxes will slightly rise with the increase of the Lawrence school district’s mill levy this year, which the board initially approved Monday.
Lawrence school district committee to begin reviewing high school boundaries; consultant will have smaller role
A committee on Wednesday will begin analyzing Lawrence’s high school boundaries, and the consultant previously contracted to facilitate the work will have a reduced role after school board members voiced concerns.
Lawrence school board to consider slight property tax rate increase
Lawrence school board members on Monday will vote on a maximum mill levy for this year’s budget that would increase property taxes.
Free State High School teacher earns Outstanding Kansas Biology Teacher of the Year award
Free State High School biology teacher Julie Schwarting has earned a Kansas biology teacher of the year award from a cohort in her field who commended her community-based environmentalism.
Citing ‘miscommunication,’ district mows native plants, vegetable swales in Free State garden down to dirt
Multiple instances of mowing and other damage to Free State High School’s outdoor learning space is giving educators in that space the impression that the Lawrence school district is prioritizing looks over learning.
Lawrence’s new interim superintendent is hopeful that ‘we’re turning the corner together’
Lawrence’s newly hired interim superintendent, Jeanice Swift, said she’s got an inkling that this year will be a new leaf for the district.
Second-year Lawrence teachers given Horizon Awards for outstanding work
The Lawrence school district has recognized two new Lawrence teachers for their exemplary work with students.
Parents petition to ban cell phones in Lawrence schools
More than 100 parents of students in the Lawrence school district have signed a petition in support of a districtwide ban of cell phones in classrooms.
Lawrence school board approves interim superintendent contract
The Lawrence school board on Monday approved a contract with Interim Superintendent Jeanice Swift, including a salary of $194,482 for 10 months.
Superintendent salaries: How does Lawrence stack up compared to other Kansas districts?
As the Lawrence school board is poised to approve an interim superintendent contract with a salary equivalent to $235,000 over a full year, here’s a glimpse at how superintendent pay compares across several districts.
Lawrence school board to vote on contract with interim superintendent candidate
The Lawrence school board on Monday will consider approving a contract to hire an outside candidate as the 2024-25 interim superintendent, with a salary of $194K for 10 months.
Quail Run principal named to district administrative position; interim principal selected
The Lawrence school district has named Quail Run Elementary School Principal James Polk to an administrative role at the district level, and Cynthia Emery has been selected as interim principal.
Online German courses will be only option for Lawrence High students after teaching position cut
Lawrence High School students who have completed the first section of German will be able to advance their studies this year in online classes, but the language won’t be offered otherwise.
Lawrence school board names Jeanice Swift as interim superintendent
Lawrence school board President Kelly Jones on Wednesday announced the board’s selection of Jeanice Swift as interim superintendent.