LATEST
Lawrence school district names next Sunset Hill Elementary principal
The Lawrence school board on Monday approved hiring Courtney Ellis as the next principal of Sunset Hill Elementary School.
MORE USD 497 & K-12 EDUCATION NEWS
Mac Moore / The Lawrence Times
Para openings, teacher resignations continue upward trend in Lawrence school district
District leaders continue to grapple with midyear teaching resignations and the challenges of filling positions, including 65 paraeducator and 17 teacher openings, in Lawrence Public Schools — and workers are pushing hard for change.
Tricia Masenthin/The Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board hears concerns about safety, ‘staffing crisis’ from PAL-CWA union members, approves plan for COVID relief funds and more
The Lawrence school board on Monday heard concerns about safety, wages and a staffing crisis from members of PAL-CWA, approved a plan for COVID relief funding and more.
August Rudisell/The Lawrence Times file photo
Lawrence school board to weigh pandemic relief funds proposal, leasing rate for Kennedy Early Childhood Center
The Lawrence school board on Monday will consider a proposal for use of COVID-19 relief funds, an agreement to lease space at Kennedy Early Childhood Center to community partners and more.
Tricia Masenthin/The Lawrence Times
Newcomers Kay Emerson, Andrew Nussbaum and incumbent Kelly Jones win Lawrence school board seats
With her two sons in tow Tuesday night, Kay Emerson talked with fellow candidates and campaign workers at the Douglas County clerk’s office, discussing next steps. One thing’s for certain: She’ll wear white — a symbol of women’s suffrage — when she’s sworn in.
Tricia Masenthin/The Lawrence Times
Lawrence middle school community voices concerns about safety, spate of resignations
A rough start to the year has left many in the Liberty Memorial Central Middle School community reeling and parents worrying. Three teachers resigned in October, and in early September, a staff member was knocked down and hit their head on the floor during a fight at the school.
Contributed
Lawrence High student’s photos capture moldy biscuits, pink chicken on cafeteria trays
Spoiling biscuits, expired milk, soggy sandwiches, food that looks uncooked inside. Since the school year started, junior Gabriella Wakole and her friends have complained about the quality of food and lack of meal choices in the Lawrence High School cafeteria.
Anti-masker’s obscenity-laced tirade at Capitol erased from Legislature’s video of hearing
The 28 seconds of profane commentary by Justin Spiehs during a special legislative committee hearing on COVID-19 government overreach was cut from the publicly available video of oral testimony on the Legislature’s website and posted to YouTube.
Contributed
Sunset Hill teacher draws inspiration from students in quest to complete New York City Marathon
Even though she’s never run a full marathon before, Sunset Hill Elementary PE teacher Stephanie Dickson has no doubt in her mind she’ll finish all 26.2 miles on Nov. 7 in New York City.
Contributed/Lawrence Schools Foundation
Community nominations open for Lawrence school district employees who show dedication to their craft
A $5,000 prize awaits the winner of the Lawrence Schools Foundation’s 2021 Dedication to Education Award. The honoree’s check will arrive just in time for the holidays and winter break, but the foundation must receive the nomination by Nov. 30.
Allie Lippe-Mackey/Contributed Photo
Lawrence High School science classes create a city-scale solar system
Allie Lippe-Mackey likes her Lawrence High School students to learn by doing. So rather than just quiz them on planets, she had them build a whole solar system.
Screenshot/Sources of Strength Media Kit
Lawrence High School club to host mental health discussion Tuesday
A student-led suicide prevention program has taken root at high schools in the Lawrence school district. Using peer leaders and adult advisers, Sources of Strength is a program focusing on suicide prevention and other issues teens face, including substance abuse and violence.
Screenshot/YouTube
Lawrence school board approves PAL-CWA contract; hears update on behavior data, restorative practices and mental health services
The Lawrence school board on Monday heard from several administrators with updates on student behavioral and mental health, restorative practice and more. It also approved the district’s first contract with PAL-CWA.
Lawrence school board to hear behavior and restorative practice update, consider ratifying classified staff contract and more
The Lawrence school board on Monday will receive an update on behavioral incidents, restorative practices and more from the first quarter, plus consider ratifying a contract with the district’s hourly employees.
Lawrence schools report most positive daily COVID-19 cases this fall; district gears up to help vaccinate 5- to 11-year-olds
The Lawrence school district reported 13 new COVID-19 cases among students Wednesday — the most reported cases in a single day during the first nine weeks of the school year. Meanwhile, the district is preparing to help roll out vaccines for those 5-11 years old.
Lawrence Public Schools / Contributed Photo
West Middle School’s choral music director named Lawrence’s Teacher of the Year for secondary schools
Craig McCauley, West Middle School choral music director, has been honored as the Lawrence school district’s Teacher of the Year for secondary schools.





