LATEST
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Superintendent: Lawrence schools plan welcome center, seek to boost staff pay and more updates
A district welcome center, an expansion of a program to help high schoolers earn KU credits, and “streamlining” to ensure the district’s pay for staff members is competitive are all in the works, according to the Lawrence Public Schools superintendent.
MORE USD 497 & K-12 EDUCATION NEWS
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Julie Boyle, longtime spokesperson for Lawrence Public Schools, announces retirement
Lawrence Public Schools Executive Director of Communications Julie Boyle will retire from the district after more than 27 years in the position.
August Rudisell / Lawrence Times
Free State grads urged to be lifelong learners at 2025 commencement
Free State High school graduate Elle Cormaney offered a gift of new shoes to the graduating Class of 2025 — not a physical pair, but a pair offering a lesson for the Firebirds to run to create their futures.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Lawrence High Class of 2025 graduates, prepares to seize a changing world
Adele Erickson imparted some advice from a fortune cookie to her fellow Lawrence High School graduates: “One must look back to learn to look forward.” The Chesty Lions Class of 2025 graduated Tuesday night.
Free State senior wins national forensics title
Free State High School senior Anwen Williams added to her impressive list of forensics accomplishments by claiming a national championship in extemporaneous speaking over the weekend.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Project SEARCH students graduate from KU and Lawrence Memorial Hospital internships
Anthony Watts said he’ll most likely have to get a job soon because he’s “too young to retire.” Fortunately, Project SEARCH helped him and his fellow graduates prepare.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Community Transition students embrace growth as they graduate
Students graduating from the Community Transition, or C-Tran, program in Lawrence were praised for their perseverance and resilience this year.
Pancho Metz / Lawrence Times
Graduations for Free State, Lawrence High, KU and more coming up
Ceremonies are beginning this week for graduates from Lawrence high schools and specialized programs, and KU’s commencement is set for Sunday.
Lawrence high schools will return to MacBooks next year
Lawrence school district high schoolers will be issued MacBook laptops again next year after a year of using iPads.
Lawrence school district names next assistant principal of Billy Mills Middle School
Courtney Ellis, a Lawrence Public Schools alum and educator, has been named as the next assistant principal and athletics director of Billy Mills Middle School.
Lawrence school board to vote on purchasing MacBooks for high schoolers, hear report on AVID
The Lawrence school board on Monday will vote on whether to return to MacBooks for high school students for a contract about $1 million more than the district’s previous contract for iPads. The district believes the shift back will better serve student needs.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Ex-Prairie Park speech pathologist found competent to stand trial in child sexual abuse case
A former Prairie Park Elementary School speech pathologist on Thursday was declared competent to stand trial on one count of aggravated indecent liberties with a child younger than 14 and one count of kidnapping, but those charges may multiply.
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.





