Takeaways from Lawrence USD 497 Education Board Meeting
Week of August 11, 2026
Board approves sweeping student cell phone ban
District advances policy limiting staff social media interactions
New ParentSquare feature masks teacher cell phone numbers
Schools shift away from 1:1 device model for younger students
District prepares for budget vote amid rising property values
Downtown tax abatement approved for Alarm.com expansion
Bus driver shortage eases as transportation provider nears full staffing
Annual Kids Expo serves 3,000 families ahead of school year
District introduces 2026 administrative leadership cohort
Board approves sweeping student cell phone ban
LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Lawrence Board of Education unanimously approved a ban on student cell phone use during the instructional day, adopting Board Policy JCAA on its second reading. The policy requires students to turn off and store personal electronic communication devices during school hours to reduce classroom distractions. At the request of Board President Kelly Jones, an amendment was added to clarify that devices are strictly prohibited in restrooms and locker rooms "at all times of the day, including before and after school," to protect student privacy and safety.
District advances policy limiting staff social media interactions
LAWRENCE, Kan. — A new policy restricting how district employees communicate with students online was introduced on first reading to align with a new state law, Kansas House Bill 2299. The proposed district policy prohibits staff from engaging in two-way communication with students on personal social media platforms, requiring all digital interactions to occur through district-approved channels. The board is expected to consider final approval later this month to meet the state compliance deadline.
New ParentSquare feature masks teacher cell phone numbers
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Lawrence Public Schools is rolling out a new feature within its ParentSquare communication tool that allows staff to call or text families using a dedicated local number. The upgrade enables employees to contact parents directly from the app or a web browser without using their personal cell phone numbers or requiring secondary hardware. The system logs communication timestamps, offers optional transcription and allows staff to establish specific office hours for incoming calls.
Schools shift away from 1:1 device model for younger students
LAWRENCE, Kan. — As the district prepares to welcome approximately 10,000 students back to classrooms, officials announced a shift away from the one-to-one electronic device model for elementary and middle school students. While high schoolers received 2,100 MacBooks last week, the district is minimizing device distribution in lower grades to reduce screen time and elevate face-to-face classroom instruction. The district has currently reached nearly 93 percent of its anticipated enrollment, welcoming a record cohort of 221 preschool students.
District prepares for budget vote amid rising property values
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Executive Director of Finance Cynde Frick presented a primer on the district's 2026–2027 budget, noting that while the district's overall mill levy will decrease slightly, it will still exceed the revenue neutral rate due to rising property valuations. Frick emphasized that the district's general fund budget is largely dictated by state formulas based on enrollment and weightings, rather than local discretionary taxation. The board will formally vote to publish the notice to exceed the revenue neutral rate and hold budget hearings in September.
Downtown tax abatement approved for Alarm.com expansion
LAWRENCE, Kan. — The board unanimously approved the district's participation in a 10-year, 80 percent Neighborhood Revitalization Area property tax rebate for the redevelopment of 714 Vermont St. According to local economic development filings, technology company Alarm.com plans to invest between $2.5 million and $6 million to convert a former downtown commercial building into Class A office space. The expansion is expected to retain its current local workforce of nearly 40 employees and create 30 new tech sector jobs, with previously reported average salaries reaching between $90,000 and $145,000 over the next few years.
Bus driver shortage eases as transportation provider nears full staffing
LAWRENCE, Kan. — District transportation provider Durham School Services is nearing full staffing ahead of the academic year, officials reported. The bus company currently has 60 drivers hired with an additional 20 in the pipeline, approaching its goal of 90 total drivers. Bus routes were test-driven throughout the city this week to ensure logistical readiness for the more than 1,072 students currently signed up for transportation services.
Annual Kids Expo serves 3,000 families ahead of school year
LAWRENCE, Kan. — The 3rd Annual Kids Expo served nearly 3,000 students and their families over the weekend, connecting them with more than 75 community partners and vendors. Organized by the Lawrence Schools Foundation, the event provided free backpacks, shoes, school supplies, haircuts and health screenings to help families prepare for the upcoming school year. Remaining supplies will be distributed directly to schools and the Community Connections at Pinckney shoe closet for ongoing student needs.
District introduces 2026 administrative leadership cohort
LAWRENCE, Kan. — The district formally introduced its 2026 administrative leadership cohort, welcoming more than a dozen new and returning principals, assistant principals and district leaders. Key appointments include new building leaders at Southwest Middle School, Billy Mills Middle School, Free State High School, Lawrence High School and Woodlawn Elementary, though the full list of names for these incoming administrators was not immediately provided. Superintendent Jeanice Kerr Swift highlighted the group's collective experience and a shared commitment to equity and student opportunity.
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