District survey reveals 76 percent satisfaction, highlights cell phone and academic concerns

District expands early childhood education to six locations

Lawrence Public Schools to open new Family Engagement Center in August

District launches new strategic branding initiative to promote post-secondary readiness

Teacher and staff turnover rate drops by half over four years

Lawrence schools bid farewell to long-serving and key administrators

Free State High School press box requires $71,000 structural repair

District inks three-year athletic training contract with OrthoKansas

District survey reveals 76 percent satisfaction, highlights cell phone and academic concerns

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Lawrence Public Schools community expressed a 76 percent overall satisfaction rate in the latest "Community Conversations" survey, Superintendent Jeanice Kerr Swift reported to the school board. While respondents praised teacher quality and a sense of belonging in the schools, the survey of approximately 1,400 students, staff and parents highlighted several areas for growth. Major concerns included a desire for more consistent behavioral policy enforcement—specifically regarding cell phones in the classroom—as well as calls for more challenging academic options and better staff compensation.

District expands early childhood education to six locations

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Lawrence Public Schools is more than halfway to its goal of offering a preschool classroom in every neighborhood school. At the end-of-year review, administrators confirmed that preschool programs will be available at six locations this fall, adding Sunflower Elementary, Woodlawn Elementary, Deerfield Elementary and Prairie Park Elementary to the existing programs at the Kennedy Early Childhood Center and New York Montessori. The expansion is part of a broader local initiative to improve early childhood education access and post-secondary readiness from a younger age.

Lawrence Public Schools to open new Family Engagement Center in August

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The district will debut its new Lawrence Public Schools Family Engagement Center on Aug. 8 at the Educational Support Center, located at 110 McDonald Drive, coinciding with a district back-to-school event. Designed as the district's "welcome mat," the center aims to boost parental involvement and connect families with educational resources. The facility's opening is part of a new district-wide dual capacity-building framework intended to foster meaningful, two-way communication between schools and parents.

District launches new strategic branding initiative to promote post-secondary readiness

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Lawrence Public Schools unveiled a new strategic branding initiative designed to promote post-secondary readiness and student success. The campaign's visual identity—featuring ascending elements interpreted as flames, leaves or feathers—represents achievement, connection and elevation. Superintendent Jeanice Kerr Swift noted the initiative aligns with the district's renewed focus on career and technical education and customized learning pathways for high school students.

Teacher and staff turnover rate drops by half over four years

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Lawrence school district is seeing a significant decrease in staff departures, with the exit rate for certified employees falling from 18.6 percent in the 2022-2023 school year to 9.2 percent today. Superintendent Jeanice Kerr Swift attributed the improvement to recent compensation increases, redesigned fringe benefits and expanded recruitment efforts, noting that all student teachers have already been assigned to classrooms for the fall. Board members celebrated the drop as a sign that recent district initiatives to stabilize the workforce are succeeding.

Lawrence schools bid farewell to long-serving and key administrators

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Lawrence Board of Education recognized the departures of two notable district administrators: Executive Director of Communications Jake Potter and Executive Director of Student Support Services Kevin Harrell. Potter is departing after serving in his role since August 2025, a period marked by significant communication overhauls and the launch of the ParentSquare platform, while Harrell is retiring after 25 years of dedicated service in special education and student support programs. Board members praised both men for their lasting impacts on the district's staff, students and families.

Free State High School press box requires $71,000 structural repair

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The board approved a $71,824 change order for ongoing remodel work on the Free State High School press box after contractor Mammoth Sports Construction LLC discovered significant structural deterioration. Originally approved for remodeling in October 2025, the existing framing and substrate materials were found to be heavily degraded. The additional repair costs will be covered by the district's capital outlay fund.

District inks three-year athletic training contract with OrthoKansas

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Lawrence high schools will continue receiving athletic training services through Lawrence Memorial Hospital's OrthoKansas after the board approved a new three-year contract. The agreement, spanning from August 2026 to July 2029, will cost the district $109,200 plus mileage. The expenses will be paid directly out of each high school's respective athletic budget.

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