7 takeaways from Lawrence USD 497 school board meeting

School board to appoint fourth-place election finisher to fill vacancy

'Let's Lift Lawrence' food drive shows strong community support

Report shows equity gaps in KU dual-credit program enrollment

Jayhawk Blueprint program sees 34 percent increase in student participation

Board approves 3 percent pay increase for district administrators

District seeks members for new AI advisory group

Parents as Teachers program earns national blue ribbon honor

School board to appoint fourth-place election finisher to fill vacancy

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education voted 4-0 Monday to fill its current board vacancy by appointing Bob Byers, the fourth-place finisher from the Nov. 4, 2025, general election. The decision, made in light of the vacancy’s proximity to the election, is meant to honor the “will of the voters,” according to board discussion. The appointment will be finalized after the official results are certified on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025; the appointee’s term is set to begin on Jan. 12, 2026. Board member Bob Byers recused himself from the discussion and vote.  Former board member Anne Costello resigned Oct. 27, leaving the seat to fill.

'Let's Lift Lawrence' food drive shows strong community support

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The district’s “Let’s Lift Lawrence” initiative has mobilized the community to address food insecurity, Superintendent Jeanice Kerr Swift reported Monday. Food pantries are now operating in every school, and the Douglas County Partner Pantry Fund has generated about $78,000 to support countywide purchases by Just Food. Swift highlighted creative efforts, including Free State High School’s student council purchasing approximately $1,000 in groceries to stock their pantry. Despite donations, Swift noted that school pantry shelves are often empty by day’s end, signaling persistent need.

Report shows equity gaps in KU dual-credit program enrollment

LAWRENCE, Kan. — While the Jayhawk Blueprint dual-credit program has grown, a district report presented Monday showed disparities in participation. Data indicated that 30 percent of white 11th- and 12th-graders are enrolled in a course through the University of Kansas partnership, compared to 17 percent of racially diverse students. A similar gap exists along economic lines, with 33 percent of non-economically disadvantaged students participating versus 12 percent of their economically disadvantaged peers. District officials said closing these opportunity gaps is a key priority.

Jayhawk Blueprint program sees 34 percent increase in student participation

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Student participation in the Jayhawk Blueprint program, which allows high schoolers to earn University of Kansas college credit, has increased by 34 percent since 2019, according to a report to the school board Monday. Total course enrollment has doubled in the same period. In the 2024–25 school year, Lawrence students earned 2,633 college credit hours, which officials noted provides financial savings and academic momentum.

Board approves 3 percent pay increase for district administrators

LAWRENCE, Kan. — A 3 percent increase to the administrative salary pool was approved Monday. This completes compensation actions for all district employee groups for the current school year, following earlier agreements with certified staff and education support professionals. Superintendent Jeanice Kerr Swift noted that while this closes out this year’s work, the district is “just getting started” on its larger goal of achieving a livable wage for all team members.

District seeks members for new AI advisory group

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Lawrence Public Schools is forming an Ad Hoc Generative AI and Evolving Technologies Advisory Group to study the impact of artificial intelligence on education. Superintendent Jeanice Kerr Swift announced that the district is accepting applications from parents and community members through Nov. 14. The advisory group is expected to begin meeting in December and bring policy recommendations to the board in early 2026.

Parents as Teachers program earns national blue ribbon honor

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Lawrence Public Schools’ Parents as Teachers program has been awarded Blue Ribbon Affiliate status, the highest national recognition for quality offered by the organization. Superintendent Jeanice Kerr Swift announced the honor at Monday’s meeting, praising the program coordinator and staff. The award recognizes the district’s commitment to supporting children, promoting family engagement and strengthening community ties through early childhood education.

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