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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
When school starts in Lawrence and more you should know for 2024-25 in USD 497
Here’s info on when students go back to Lawrence Public Schools, school supply lists, when breaks are scheduled and much more for the 2024-25 school year.
Lawrence school board’s spyware renewal leaves student journalists’ concerns unresolved
Former Lawrence High School students say school board members ignored their concerns with privacy, free speech and intellectual property rights by extending the district’s contract with AI surveillance company Gaggle.
Lawrence school board to hold special meeting for contract negotiations
The Lawrence school board will hold a special closed-door-only meeting Tuesday to discuss contract negotiations and personnel matters.
As Montessori phases in, New York Elementary teachers left without jobs leave the district
Almost every traditional classroom teacher at New York Elementary has left the district this year as the school phases in the Montessori method, leaving teachers who can’t afford the time or cost of training without a job at the school.
Lawrence school board renews contract for AI student monitoring software, increases student meal prices
As part of a busy annual organizational meeting Monday, Lawrence school board members approved a renewal of Gaggle, the district’s student surveillance software, and a 10-cent increase to student meal prices. They also voted on the next board president and VP.
Lawrence school district will likely pay $65K for boundary analysis; school board postpones approval
The Lawrence school district will likely pay $65,000 for a consultant’s boundary and enrollment analysis, and while some board members voiced concerns about the consultants, others defended the data they deliver.
Lawrence school district announces two administrative position changes
The Lawrence school district has announced a new deputy superintendent and executive director of curriculum and instruction, which also represent two changes to administrative position titles.
Lawrence school board to consider increasing meal prices, some student fees
The Lawrence school board on Monday will consider approving a 10-cent increase to lunch and breakfast prices in addition to some student fee increases for the 2024-25 year.
Lawrence school board to consider $100K contract for enrollment analysis, renewing Gaggle for $53K
Another contract with RSP & Associates, a consulting firm that provides analyses for the Lawrence school district, and a renewal for the district’s student surveillance software are up for the school board’s consideration Monday.
Lawrence school board begins search for interim superintendent for 2024-25; position to be filled for following year
An interim superintendent will serve the Lawrence school district for a full year while the school board searches for a permanent appointment.
Lawrence school board to hold special meeting on superintendent search
Following the announcement that the superintendent has taken a position out of state, the Lawrence school board will hold a special meeting Tuesday to consider a $6,500 contract for the search to fill the job.
Lawrence schools superintendent takes job out of state
Lawrence Public Schools Superintendent Anthony Lewis has been selected to lead the school district of Durham, North Carolina.
Teachers union reaches tentative agreement with Lawrence school district on potential raises, contracts
Lawrence teachers will likely receive raises next year if a tentative agreement between the district and its teachers union is approved.
High school teachers call for stricter cell phone policy in Lawrence school district
More than 80 Lawrence educators have signed a petition for the district to implement a stricter cell phone policy, and six people advocated for it during the school board meeting Monday.
Lawrence schools superintendent calls meeting on community safety
Following the shooting deaths of three local teens within 15 months, Lawrence school district Superintendent Anthony Lewis is calling a community meeting to discuss safety.