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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.
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
No extra transportation costs expected for busing STEAM school students; no late start Wednesdays proposed
The Lawrence school district is not expecting additional costs associated with transportation for students attending its planned STEAM school, which will most likely have longer school days but maintain early release Wednesdays.
Lawrence school district names new assistant principal of Billy Mills Middle School
Sara (Reichenberger) Murray has been selected as the next assistant principal and athletics director for Billy Mills Middle School, according to a news release from the Lawrence school district on Monday.
Lawrence school board to hear report on former Pinckney, Broken Arrow students
Attendance and behavior has improved among students who transferred from two elementary schools the Lawrence school board closed, according to the district. Board members will also hear an update on plans for the STEAM school at LMCMS.
Lawrence teacher pay stagnated near the bottom compared to similar districts as admin pay rose and fell.
Lawrence teachers spent years with wages near the bottom compared to similar sized school districts, along with large pay gaps relative to administrators. But recent efforts to raise teacher wages have helped teacher salaries move closer to other districts.
Lawrence school district superintendent denounces bill banning gender-affirming care for youths
The Lawrence school district superintendent has spoken out against state legislation that would block transgender youths’ access to gender-affirming health care in Kansas.
Lawrence Public Schools’ enrollment has dropped for four straight years. Where the students went is unknown.
All of the 10 largest districts in Kansas saw their enrollment drop during the pandemic-riddled 2020-21 school year; all but Lawrence have bounced back to see some enrollment growth in the last few years.
Free State junior achieves highest national speech and debate honor
Free State High School junior Anwen Williams has reached a prestigious milestone after scoring in more than 375 rounds of speech and debate competition so far.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Proposed STEAM middle school schedule includes longer school days, late start Wednesdays
The Lawrence school district’s planned STEAM middle school could have a late start in addition to early dismissal on Wednesdays, longer school days, and other factors differing from the other middle schools.
Lawrence school district looks to staffing incentives, other cost-saving ideas as enrollment declines
As enrollment keeps trending downward, Lawrence school board members on Monday heard some additional details about possible ways to cut costs, including hiring specialized positions rather than going through contractors.
Lawrence school board president, superintendent say reinstated administrative positions are necessary to support principals
The Lawrence school district’s superintendent and school board president on Monday defended the reinstatement of two administrative positions that had previously been cut from the district’s budget.
Lawrence school board to hear budget update with data on declining enrollment, ideas to cut costs
As enrollment continues to decline, the Lawrence school district is considering ways to cut costs, such as hiring employees rather than outside contractors and using solar energy, according to a budget update the school board will receive Monday.
Two young musicians to perform at ‘Piano Prodigies’ concert in Lawrence
Two young pianists, including a 16-year-old from Lawrence, will be featured at a virtuosic concert this Saturday.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
La’Ron Williams clinches second place in Kansas Youth of the Year competition
Free State High School senior La’Ron Williams has won second place in the 2024 Boys & Girls Club Kansas Youth of the Year competition.
After school closures, Lawrence families grapple with fractured communities, future of school district
After the Lawrence school board voted to close two elementary schools last year, some local families now wrestling with doubts about their future in the district and the community.
Natasha Torkzaban/Lawrence Times
Transparency concerns loom at Lawrence school board meeting; district will follow new plan to make up snow days
The Lawrence school district will follow a revised plan for the district’s middle and high school students to make up time lost to snow days, though school board members voiced concerns about how district administrators handled the issue and communicated the plan to families.
