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Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school district to add preschool classrooms at two more neighborhood schools
Classrooms for 3- and 4-year-olds will open at two Lawrence neighborhood schools in fall 2026, increasing preschool availability in the district to six buildings.
MORE USD 497 & K-12 EDUCATION NEWS
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Parent left gun in gym bag for Lawrence High student, principal says
A parent dropped off a gym bag that contained a gun for a Lawrence High School student, according to an email the principal sent school families Tuesday afternoon.
Free State High School announces next assistant principal
A current career and technical education teacher and coach at Olathe South High School has been named the next assistant principal of Free State.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
New parent messaging tool, MacBooks among possible Lawrence school district ‘enhancements’
A new parent communication tool and a potential comeback for MacBook laptops in high schools are part of changes the Lawrence school district plans to make in 2025-26. Enrollment is also open for two new preschool classes.
Lawrence schools working to mitigate large class sizes; board sets non-district transfer seats
The Lawrence school district expects some large class sizes will continue in the 2025-26 year while enrollment is on the decline and more teachers are needed.
Lawrence school district names assistant director of special education
The current assistant principal and athletic director of Southwest Middle School has been named assistant director of special education for Lawrence Public Schools.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board to consider approving 2025-26 classroom capacities; public comment not on agenda
The Lawrence school board on Monday will consider approving classroom ratios and enrollment capacities for the 2025-26 year. General public comment is not on the board’s agenda.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Art students, teachers celebrated at Lawrence Arts Center’s Vanguard Awards
Art students and their teachers celebrated their award-winning artwork Friday evening at the annual Vanguard Awards during the opening reception for the USD 497 Exhibition.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Lawrence High choir students prepare for ‘Showtime’
The musical Lions of Lawrence High School will sing and dance to hits spanning decades during their annual “Showtime” performance, which premieres Thursday evening.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board member denounces harassment inside and outside the board room
A Lawrence school board member on Monday said she won’t be silenced by incessant harassment mostly directed at women on the board.
Lawrence school district names next Free State assistant principal and athletic director
The Lawrence school district has named Jason Schroeder as the next assistant principal/athletic director of Free State High School.
No new business, reports on Lawrence school board meeting agenda
The agenda for the Lawrence school board’s meeting on Monday lacks any regular business items and only includes opening items, the consent agenda and public comment.
City of Lawrence not accepting new crossing guard requests for 2025-26
The City of Lawrence will not take requests for new crossing guard locations during the 2025-26 school year as working group members continue to evaluate 2024-25 requests.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Free State journalism teacher wins KSPA award for excellent new adviser
Free State High School journalism adviser Jared Shuff has been recognized by the Kansas Scholastic Press Association for his zeal for building a strong program.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence cuts some employees, facing potential $1M shortfall
The Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence, facing a budget shortfall that could rise to more than $1 million, has eliminated several positions, the organization announced. Current programs and services will continue as normal, however.
Lawrence drama teacher earns Lied Center IMPACT Award
Lawrence teacher Trish Averill Neuteboom has been named as a 2024-25 Lied Center IMPACT Award recipient for her dedication to arts education.





