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Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board to consider hiring consultants for enrollment projections, online map
The Lawrence school board on Monday will consider contracting with a consulting firm to complete enrollment projections and launch an online map for the district. Four board members will also begin their new terms.
MORE USD 497 & K-12 EDUCATION NEWS
Lawrence school board to hear update on snow day makeup time, consider approving 2025-26 calendar
The Lawrence school board on Monday will learn where the district is with its instructional hours following several snow days and consider approving the 2025-26 district calendar.
Family suing Lawrence Public Schools over alleged sexual assault of child
The family of one of several alleged victims of sexual assault by a former Prairie Park Elementary School speech pathologist is suing the district for the pain and mental anguish the child suffered.
Deerfield Elementary, district building closed because of power outage; phone lines restored at all other buildings
Deerfield Elementary School and the Lawrence school district offices are closed Wednesday because of a neighborhood power outage. Phone lines are now working at all district buildings except for those two.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Lawrence police now say former Prairie Park Elementary speech pathologist had 8 alleged victims
Lawrence police are asking prosecutors to file more charges against the former Prairie Park Elementary School speech pathologist charged with sexually abusing a student, now alleging that he had eight victims over a span of two days.
Cuyler Dunn/Lawrence Times
Lawrence school district committee requests data for boundary discussions to resume in fall
The Lawrence school district’s Boundary Advisory Committee on Wednesday requested more data to better inform their discussions of elementary, middle and high school boundaries, set to resume in the fall.
Lawrence school district announces next equity and engagement leader, Quail Run principal
The Lawrence school district has announced Tina Mitchell as the next director of equity and student and family engagement, and Sara Murray as the next principal of Quail Run Elementary School.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
It’s official: Jeanice Swift named 10th superintendent of Lawrence Public Schools
Lawrence school board members on Monday gave quick approval to hire Jeanice Kerr Swift as the district’s next superintendent.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board to take formal vote to hire superintendent; general public comment moved to end of meeting
The Lawrence school board on Monday will take a formal vote to hire Interim Superintendent Jeanice Swift to the permanent position, and general public comment has been moved to the end of the meeting.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board names interim superintendent to permanent position
The Lawrence school board has selected current Interim Superintendent Jeanice Swift as the permanent superintendent.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Douglas County high schoolers invited to apply to Lawrence Juneteenth writing contest
The Lawrence Juneteenth organization is hoping to empower youth voices through a creative contest. Winners will be featured at this year’s celebration.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school district reaches 8 inclement weather days; still unclear whether makeup time will be needed
Lawrence Public Schools will be closed for a second day in a row this week, making for eight total days canceled so far this year. It’s still not clear whether makeup time will be needed.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence Public Schools to close, plus other closures for Wednesday, Feb. 19
There will be no school again for Lawrence Public Schools on Wednesday. That, plus more closures:
Lawrence school board president foreshadows potential public comment pause
Lawrence school board President Kelly Jones floated the idea of pausing public comment after a confrontational exchange between the board and a frequent Lawrence public commenter on Monday.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Lawrence police investigating alleged sexual assault of elementary school students
Two Prairie Park Elementary School students were allegedly sexually assaulted by an employee of the school, Lawrence police say.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence school board to consider approving snow blower purchase, hear update on cell phone policy
The Lawrence school board on Monday will consider approving a purchase of snow blowers and hear an update on the new cell phone policy.





