Takeaways from Lawrence USD 497 Education Board Meeting
Week of August 25, 2026
Board approves publication of 2026-27 budget and mill levies
District subsidizes $13.8 million special education shortfall
New policy bans staff from messaging students on social media
AI guidelines drafted for Lawrence classrooms
Board warns of pending state mandates on classroom devices
District works to resolve bus routing and app glitches
Lawrence schools expand preschool offerings amid high demand
Board approves publication of 2026-27 budget and mill levies
LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education unanimously approved the publication of its 2026-27 budget and maximum mill levies, setting the total mill levy at 52.204. Although the rate is slightly lower than the previous year, rising property valuations mean the district will still collect more tax revenue, prompting a formal notice to exceed the state's revenue-neutral rate. A final public hearing to formally adopt the budget is scheduled for the board's Sept. 14 meeting.
District subsidizes $13.8 million special education shortfall
LAWRENCE, Kan. — During the annual budget presentation, Executive Director of Finance Cynde Frick reported that Lawrence Public Schools continues to face a massive shortfall in special education funding. Out of the $34 million spent on special education last year, the district received only $20 million in state and federal aid. The remaining $13.8 million gap — representing 40% of the total cost to provide legally mandated services — must be covered by local taxpayers through the district's general fund and local option budget.
New policy bans staff from messaging students on social media
LAWRENCE, Kan. — To comply with a new state law, the board voted 7-0 to adopt a policy strictly prohibiting two-way communication between district staff and students on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Under the new rules, staff must utilize board-approved platforms, such as district email and ParentSquare, for all communications. Consequently, the district will disable the comment sections on all of its official social media pages to ensure compliance.
AI guidelines drafted for Lawrence classrooms
LAWRENCE, Kan. — An ad hoc advisory group presented proposed guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence in schools, emphasizing data privacy, learning integrity and AI literacy. Superintendent Jeanice Kerr Swift announced that the district will soon launch a teacher network to test these guidelines and develop practical classroom applications throughout the fall. The district aims to formally adopt an official AI board policy by the summer of 2027.
Board warns of pending state mandates on classroom devices
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Board members expressed concern over rapid moves by the Kansas State Board of Education to draft required minimum expectations for school-issued devices. Board members warned that pending state guidelines, or potential legislative bans on elementary device use, could disrupt Lawrence's newly adopted curriculum, which heavily integrates iPads. District staff will compile data on the scope of iPad usage, particularly in middle schools, to provide feedback to the state before any policies are finalized.
District works to resolve bus routing and app glitches
LAWRENCE, Kan. — District officials acknowledged reports of ongoing delays and technical glitches following the transition to Durham School Services for student transportation. While approximately 1,400 students have been successfully routed, reports of persistent issues with the MyRide K12 bus tracking app remain, and a tech specialist has been dispatched to assist. Meanwhile, the district is working to route an additional 400 to 450 waitlisted students who applied for space-available seating.
Lawrence schools expand preschool offerings amid high demand
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Following the successful opening of new preschool classrooms at Deerfield Elementary School and Prairie Park Elementary School, Lawrence Public Schools will open additional sections in mid-September to meet rising community demand. The new classrooms will be located at Deerfield Elementary School, Hillcrest Elementary School, Kennedy Early Childhood Center and Sunflower Elementary School. The district offered first priority to families already on its waitlist and plans to open the remaining slots to the wider community this week.
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