8 takeaways from Lawrence USD 497 school board meeting

Board Approves New Capital Projects: Alternative High School Campus and Elementary Expansion

ESP Contract Ratified; Board Pushes for Living Wage Plan

Attendance Report Reveals Disparities, High School Absenteeism a Key Concern

District to Develop Robust Native American Curriculum

Students Share Transformative Experience from Japan Exchange Program

AVID Program Provides Over 8,000 Hours of Tutoring Support

Two New Educators Honored with Horizon Awards

Therapy Dogs Making a Measurable Impact on School Climate

Board Approves New Capital Projects: Alternative High School Campus and Elementary Expansion

LAWRENCE - The Board of Education unanimously approved planning for two major capital projects for the 2026-27 school year: the creation of a "Choice Campus" at the Centennial building and a classroom expansion at Langston Hughes Elementary. The Choice Campus aims to provide a flexible, non-traditional high school option for students who struggle in a comprehensive setting, with the goal of improving graduation rates. The Langston Hughes project will add new classrooms and expand common areas to alleviate current overcrowding, which has pushed the school beyond 100% utilization. The projects will be funded through capital outlay and will not interfere with previously planned projects like high school track refurbishments and preschool additions.

ESP Contract Ratified; Board Pushes for Living Wage Plan

LAWRENCE - Following the ratification of a new agreement with the Education Support Professionals (ESP) union, the school board issued a strong directive to the administration to develop a multi-year plan to raise wages to a local living wage standard. The newly approved contract includes a $1 per hour increase for all ESP staff, representing about a 6% increase to the salary pool, and re-establishes an illness and catastrophic leave pool. While board members expressed gratitude for the agreement, they emphasized that the work is not finished and called for a strategic, long-term financial plan to ensure all district support staff earn competitive and sustainable wages.

Attendance Report Reveals Disparities, High School Absenteeism a Key Concern

LAWRENCE - A new equity report on student attendance showed that while the district's overall average daily attendance is a strong 90.6%, significant disparities persist for African-American, American Indian, and economically disadvantaged students, as well as students with disabilities. The data also highlighted a concerning trend at the high school level, where approximately 20% of students are considered "frequently absent," meaning they miss more than 10% of school days for any reason. In discussions, board members and administrators pointed to factors like open lunch policies and athletic transportation schedules as potential areas for review to address the high rates.

District to Develop Robust Native American Curriculum

LAWRENCE - In response to long-standing requests from the community, Superintendent Dr. Jeanice Kerr Swift announced the formation of a new teacher-led group tasked with developing a robust Native American curriculum. The initiative aims to align and integrate Native American history, culture, and connections across all grade levels. Board member Carole Cadue-Blackwood noted that the topic was a key point of discussion at a recent Native American Student Services Parent Committee meeting. The district has already received outreach from community partners and the local university interested in supporting the effort.

Students Share Transformative Experience from Japan Exchange Program

LAWRENCE - Lawrence High School freshmen Adelaide Boedeker and Grayson Barker gave a compelling presentation on their summer experience in the Sister Cities exchange program with Hiratsuka, Japan. The students detailed the application process, cultural preparations, and their time living with host families and participating in the Tanabata Festival. They highlighted the program's struggle to regain participation numbers since the COVID-19 pandemic, dropping from 15-20 students to just eight this past year. The students urged the board and community to help promote the program to ensure its continued success.

AVID Program Provides Over 8,000 Hours of Tutoring Support

LAWRENCE - The district's AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program is set to provide over 8,000 contact hours of academic support to students this semester. A team of 15 tutors—comprising KU students, recent graduates, and a local business owner—will assist over 400 middle and high school students in bi-weekly tutoring sessions. The program is a key part of the district's equity work, designed to prepare students, particularly those who would be the first in their family to attend college, for postsecondary success.

Two New Educators Honored with Horizon Awards

LAWRENCE - The district celebrated two of its newest teachers with Horizon Awards, which recognize exemplary educators in their second year of the profession. Kyra Jumper, a teacher at Schwegler Elementary, and Brayden Yoder‑Mulkey, the band director at Liberty Memorial Central Middle School, were surprised with the awards in their classrooms. Superintendent Dr. Swift praised the winners as inspiring examples of the district’s commitment to growing and retaining new talent in the education field.

Therapy Dogs Making a Measurable Impact on School Climate

LAWRENCE - The Superintendent's report highlighted the growing success of the district's therapy dog program in promoting student well-being. Officer Rosie, a mini goldendoodle who serves West Middle School with School Resource Officer Lindsay Bishop, averages over 100 positive student interactions during each passing period. Research shows that therapy dogs can lower stress hormones and help regulate emotions. The program’s impact was also recognized by the community; Officer Rosie was named a Best of Lawrence finalist, and Free State High School’s therapy dog, Wayne, continues to be widely celebrated by students.

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