LATEST
Maya Smith/Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board signs off on facility upgrades, hears update on state legislation
The Lawrence school board on Monday approved some capital project bids and received updates on state legislation that could impact schools in the district.
Maya Smith/Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board signs off on facility upgrades, hears update on state legislation
The Lawrence school board on Monday approved some capital project bids and received updates on state legislation that could impact schools in the district.
MORE USD 497 & K-12 EDUCATION NEWS
August Rudisell / The Lawrence Times
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.
Molly Adams via Alicia Erickson/Contributed Photo
‘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.
August Rudisell / The Lawrence Times
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.
August Rudisell / The Lawrence Times
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 Times graphic
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.
Carter Gaskins / The Lawrence Times
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.
Julie Boyle / Contributed Photos
Sunset Hill’s Amanda Atkins wins counselor of the year award for serving as ‘child’s rock’
Sunset Hill Elementary’s Amanda Atkins has landed 2022 Kansas Counselor of the Year honors. “She is my child’s rock, and she needs to be recognized for it,” a parent said in nominating her.
August Rudisell / The Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board to hold special meeting of executive sessions
The Lawrence school board will have a special meeting Monday for four consecutive closed-door sessions, the district announced Friday.
August Rudisell / The Lawrence Times
Lawrence school district’s boundary committee meeting canceled as possible school closures still loom
A planned meeting of the Lawrence school district’s Boundary Advisory Committee has been canceled, meaning BAC members may not have the opportunity to provide feedback on potential school closure scenarios before the school board’s crucial decisions in the coming weeks.
August Rudisell/The Lawrence Times
Lawrence school district seeking $4.2 million in COVID relief funds
The Lawrence school district did indeed submit letters of interest for COVID-19 relief funds through the county, spokesperson Julie Boyle confirmed Tuesday morning.
August Rudisell / The Lawrence Times
Unclear whether Lawrence school district took steps to seek additional COVID relief funds
A Lawrence school district spokesperson said she was unsure whether any staff members had completed the first step to seek COVID relief funds that Douglas County has available by the Monday afternoon deadline.
Tricia Masenthin/The Lawrence Times
Lawrence community replicates students’ steps through school closure, boundary revision scenarios
With demonstration walks planned this week, community members hope to show the Lawrence school board and district leaders the obstacles students face walking to school amid possible school closures and boundary changes.
Sydney Farokhi Clark/Contributed
Sunset Hill librarian reflects on evolution of ‘dream job’ as budget cuts threaten its future
Fallon Farokhi strives to spark a love of learning for nearly 400 Sunset Hill students. With librarian positions facing possible cuts, it’s a tough time for her to imagine not doing her dream job in her dream district.
Lawrence Times graphic; contributed photos
Where do they stand? Lawrence school board members share thoughts on school closure proposals
As of Friday, where do Lawrence school board members stand on school closure proposals?
Screenshot
Lawrence school district’s budget committee supports school closures, initial poll indicates
Closing a middle school and two or more elementary schools; sharing staff across high schools; and cutting some special education support positions were some of the top-ranked cost-cutting proposals that members of the Lawrence school district’s Budget and Program Evaluation Committee indicated they would support.
