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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
Lawrence High newspaper editor credits staff after being named state journalist of the year
High school senior Cuyler Dunn might appear to be just starting out on a career in journalism, but those who know him best were not surprised this week when the Kansas Scholastic Press Association named him the state’s Student Journalist of the Year.
Save Our Schools 497 group continues to fight for education at local, state levels
With school closures off the table for now, Lawrence’s Save Our Schools 497 group is now focused on finding a stopgap to make it through the year, looking at the district’s long-term financial health, and ensuring the community’s involvement in these processes.
School canceled again Friday for Lawrence, Eudora districts; KU to delay opening
There will be a second snow day Friday for Lawrence and Eudora Public Schools, the districts announced Thursday afternoon.
Deerfield Doughnuts: 3rd grade students’ unique designs to be sold in Lawrence
A doughnut with apple pie filling, topped with chunks of bacon and a chocolate drizzle? This dream is one that Laura Amlung’s third grade class at Deerfield Elementary hopes to make a reality.
Lawrence school district alum returns, hopes to spark BIPOC students’ interest in education
In addition to an enthusiastic passion for history, first-year teacher Tori Mitchell offers Black students something she didn’t have as a student in Lawrence schools — a teacher who looks like them.
Free State High School principal to retire
Free State High School Principal Myron Graber will retire at the end of June, the Lawrence school district announced Wednesday.
Lawrence school board consensus: No school closures this year
Lawrence school district staff members have their work cut out for them: Don’t close any schools, and find $7 million in budget cuts that won’t impact students on a daily basis.
Lawrence school board to start meeting with budget work session
The Lawrence school board’s Monday meeting will begin with a 90-minute work session on the budget, then proceed to a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m.
Photos: Families gather to celebrate Lawrence schools
Families and friends of Lawrence neighborhood schools gathered for a rally Saturday at South Park to “Celebrate Our Schools.”
Updated Lawrence school district budget data shows school closures would save less than slashing programs
Updated data from the Lawrence school district shows that a plan that includes closing or repurposing five schools would save the district less money than a plan that closes no schools but makes deep cuts to programs.
‘Caught off guard’: Lawrence community members share their concerns about school closure proposals
The Save Our Schools 497 group has hosted community meetings and rallies with more to come soon. But these efforts are just the top layer of organizers’ work, and the enthusiasm shown in these demonstrations is a veneer on top of deep concerns for many families.
Lawrence school district apologizes for inaccurate data shared on budget options
The Lawrence school district shared breakdowns of three cost-cutting options during a meeting Wednesday evening — but some of the data was inaccurate.
3 options for Lawrence school district budget shortfall lean on school closures, major cuts to programs and staffing
Months of work by Lawrence school district committees has resulted in three cost-saving proposals formulated by district leadership. School closures remain on the table in two options, and significant reductions to staffing and programs in all scenarios would help fill a multimillion-dollar shortfall.
Lawrence school district’s budget committee to conduct equity analysis of cost-cutting proposals
As conversations continue about how the Lawrence school district can patch its budget shortfall, committee members will use this equity impact analysis tool to examine cost-cutting proposals.
Lawrence school board sets special meeting to consider school closures, other budget proposals
Lawrence school board President Erica Hill has called a special meeting of the board to discuss cost-cutting proposals, which could include school closures.