Legislative update highlights special education funding crisis

District prepares for 'off and stowed' cell phone legislation

Board approves $522,000 for middle school theater updates

Free State High School press box to undergo $390,000 repair

New playground equipment approved for preschool expansion

Winter conversations highlight staff pay concerns

District launches innovative bus tour hiring event

Reality U financial literacy program slated for expansion

Truity Credit Union donates $15,000 for student athlete nutrition

Algerian national team selects Lawrence for 2026 World Cup

Legislative update highlights special education funding crisis

LAWRENCE, Kan. - During a legislative update, the board received a report detailing a worsening statewide shortfall in special education funding, which administration officials say is currently $226 million short of the statutory requirement to fund 92 percent of excess costs. Consequently, school districts across Kansas are transferring local general funds to backfill this gap, effectively reducing available resources for general education students by approximately $1,000 per pupil. The update noted that Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson recently characterized this funding gap as a "crisis" affecting every school in the state, prompting the board to discuss continued advocacy efforts.

District prepares for 'off and stowed' cell phone legislation

LAWRENCE, Kan. - The board discussed pending state legislation, House Substitute for Senate Bill 281, which would mandate strictly regulated cell phone usage in schools by requiring student devices to be turned off and locked or stowed away during the school day. While the proposal aligns with the district's recently adopted policy, the legislative report highlighted concerns regarding the bill's potential to restrict staff-to-student communication, including prohibitions on text messaging and limitations on social media interactions.

Board approves $522,000 for middle school theater updates

LAWRENCE, Kan. - The Board of Education voted to accept a bid of $522,100 to perform safety updates on district middle school theaters after previously receiving no proposals in May due to the high price of steel. After reissuing the request for proposals in January, the board accepted a bid to move forward with the necessary safety renovations at Billy Mills, Liberty Memorial Central, Southwest, and West middle schools to ensure the facilities meet current standards.

Free State High School press box to undergo $390,000 repair

LAWRENCE, Kan. - To address long-standing water infiltration issues, the board approved a bid of $390,500 for repairs to the Free State High School press box to aim to correct construction defects that have allowed water to leak into the structure. Similar to the theater project, the district had to reissue bids after initial proposals received in September exceeded the budgeted amount, but officials emphasized the urgency of preventing further structural damage.

New playground equipment approved for preschool expansion

LAWRENCE, Kan. - In support of the district's preschool expansion efforts, the board authorized the purchase of age-appropriate playground equipment for Deerfield and Prairie Park elementary schools at a total cost not to exceed $114,363. This investment ensures that the facilities meet the developmental and safety needs of the district's youngest learners as early childhood programs grow to serve more families in the community.

Winter conversations highlight staff pay concerns

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Superintendent Dr. Jeanice Swift reported preliminary feedback from the district's "Winter Conversations" series held at various schools, indicating that while community members acknowledge progress made since the fall, staff recruitment, retention, and compensation remain top priorities. The administration plans to present a full data report in March to address these concerns and discuss potential solutions for increasing educator pay to remain competitive with surrounding districts.

District launches innovative bus tour hiring event

LAWRENCE, Kan. - To combat teacher shortages, the district's human resources team is hosting a unique recruitment event for prospective teachers and leaders on Wednesday, Feb. 25. Over 40 candidates have registered for a driving tour of the district, followed by a lunch and same-day interviews, with the goal of offering contracts to qualified candidates on the spot to secure staffing for the upcoming school year.

Reality U financial literacy program slated for expansion

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Following a successful session at West Middle School, Board President G.R. Gordon-Ross announced plans to seek community support to expand the Reality U financial literacy program to all six secondary schools. The interactive simulation assigns students a 26-year-old persona complete with a salary and credit score, requiring them to navigate financial decisions regarding housing, transportation, and childcare, and the board aims to collaborate with the Lawrence Schools Foundation and the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce to fund the program district-wide.

Truity Credit Union donates $15,000 for student athlete nutrition

LAWRENCE, Kan. - The district accepted a $15,000 donation from Truity Credit Union to support sports nutrition stations at Lawrence High School and Free State High School. The funds will be split evenly between the two schools to establish "Truity Fuel Zones," which provide student-athletes with nutritional support for performance and recovery, and the check was presented during halftime at the recent City Showdown basketball game.

Algerian national team selects Lawrence for 2026 World Cup

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Superintendent Dr. Jeanice Swift announced that Lawrence has been officially selected as the base camp community for the Algerian men's national soccer team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. District officials view this international selection as a significant educational opportunity for students to engage in cross-cultural learning and global studies, and the district plans to coordinate with team organizers to create student experiences centered around the event.

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