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Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence superintendent to seek feedback at community meetings this winter
The Lawrence school district superintendent will soon host a series of meetings to elicit feedback from students, staff, families and the local community.
MORE USD 497 & K-12 EDUCATION NEWS
Tricia Masenthin/Lawrence Times
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.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
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.
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.
Maya Hodison/Lawrence Times
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.
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.
Lawrence school board approves list of high school course changes for next year
The Lawrence school board on Monday approved a list of alterations to high school courses offered in the district during the 2023-24 year and heard an update on district curriculum goals.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board to consider approving new high school courses, changes
The Lawrence school board on Monday will consider approving the district’s proposal to add, remove or change high school courses. No presentation materials or specific course changes were provided in the meeting agenda as of Sunday afternoon.
Mac Moore/Lawrence Times
Lawrence high school Unity Step Team encourages individuality, self-confidence
One minute the practice gym echoes with jokes and laughter, and the next, it fills with rhythmic stomping and clapping. More than just an extracurricular activity, the Unity Step Team is cherished by its members.
Jack Ritter/Lawrence Times
Lawrence High School seniors celebrate newfound scholarship opportunities
A new partner has helped 90 Lawrence High School seniors find more than $82 million in potential scholarships.
Tricia Masenthin / Lawrence Times
West Middle School gun threat investigated, dismissed overnight, district says
A report that a student threatened to bring a gun to West Middle School was investigated overnight and determined to be a “rumor,” according to the Lawrence school district.
Vital factors playing into Lawrence school district’s funding are in state Legislature’s hands
The Lawrence school district’s budget for next year awaits state legislative decisions regarding school funding. That means two scenarios to plan for.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
‘At-risk’ student count is up, virtual school enrollment is down; numbers will help guide Lawrence school district’s budget
The Lawrence school board on Monday will hear an update on the district’s enrollment counts as part of planning for next year’s budget. The number of ”at-risk” students increased more than 50%, but other factors may offset some of that funding.
Kansas school leaders urge lawmakers to fully fund special education services
School districts have been forced to shoulder the burden of paying for special education services that are underfunded by the Kansas Legislature. Advocates say there’s a dire need for more money.
Lawrence school district seeks community input on budget cuts via online survey
A public survey is asking community members to share their input on how the Lawrence school district should make budget cuts, including potentially closing and consolidating schools.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board members at odds over specifics of budget committee’s role
With discussions of building closures looming, Lawrence school board members on Monday grappled with different perceptions of what the district’s new budget committee ought to focus on and how to seek community input.





