District faces $73.9 million in deferred maintenance needs

Board reviews $8.5 million in summer facility upgrades

Woodlawn Elementary solar panels generate early energy savings

District officials urge pushback against proposed state tech policy

Expanded preschool program reaches full capacity

Two local teachers surprised with Horizon Awards

'Let's Ride' program donates 500 bicycles to second graders

Schools Foundation seeks recipients of 21 unclaimed scholarships

District faces $73.9 million in deferred maintenance needs

LAWRENCE, Kan. - The Lawrence Board of Education received a stark warning regarding the district's aging infrastructure during a fall facilities update. Deputy Superintendent Larry Englebrick reported that the district currently faces $73.9 million in deferred maintenance and capital needs, including major updates to heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, roofing and instructional spaces. Englebrick cautioned that current capital outlay funding is insufficient to keep up with the demands of the district's 23 properties, which average 40.2 years in age. He warned that pushing mechanical systems past their life expectancies risks emergency breakdowns that could ultimately cost the district valuable classroom instructional time.

Board reviews $8.5 million in summer facility upgrades

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Despite a backlog in deferred maintenance, district officials highlighted the successful completion of 10 major capital outlay projects totaling $8.5 million over the summer. Upgrades included extensive renovations to the Centennial Campus, safety improvements to middle school auditorium catwalks and complete subsurface reconstructions of the running tracks at Free State and Lawrence high schools. The district also installed new high-efficiency chillers at Lawrence High School without disrupting the normal school day, a project aided by energy rebates through a partnership with Evergy.

Woodlawn Elementary solar panels generate early energy savings

LAWRENCE, Kan. - A new solar panel array installed at Woodlawn Elementary School is already producing significant energy yields for the district. Activated in early September, the system produced over 3 megawatt-hours of energy in its first month, averting roughly 4,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions — the equivalent of powering 100 homes for a day. The installation stems from a futures planning committee recommendation to increase solar capacity across the district, though officials noted that roof conditions and wind load capacities currently limit which district buildings can support future arrays.

District officials urge pushback against proposed state tech policy

LAWRENCE, Kan. - District officials are sounding the alarm over a draft instructional technology policy currently under review by the Kansas State Board of Education. The proposed policy could require local districts to submit their technology plans to the state for approval and is weighing options that would mandate opt-in parental consent for technology use. District leaders urged staff and local residents to contact state board representatives before their Oct. 13 meeting, warning that an opt-in requirement would severely impair the district's ability to operate and educate students effectively.

Expanded preschool program reaches full capacity

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Even after expanding its early childhood offerings this fall, the Lawrence Public Schools preschool program remains completely full, Superintendent Jeanice Kerr Swift announced. The district recently opened seven new preschool classrooms, including spaces at Prairie Park and Deerfield elementary schools, to help meet rising community demand. Swift encouraged interested families to continue applying online to be placed on a waitlist, reiterating the district's long-term vision of providing a preschool seat for every child in Lawrence.

Two local teachers surprised with Horizon Awards

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Bella Padula of Billy Mills Middle School and Sadie Bakeberg of Sunflower Elementary School were recently named the district's 2026 Horizon Award recipients. Padula, a former paraeducator now in her second year of teaching, who the district noted teaches students with specialized learning needs, was recognized for her strong student relationships. Bakeberg, a fourth-grade teacher, was praised for creating a welcoming classroom and supporting students at extracurricular activities. The award recognizes exceptional educators who have successfully completed their first year in the profession.

'Let's Ride' program donates 500 bicycles to second graders

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Nearly 500 second-grade students across Lawrence received free bicycles and fitted helmets this past week. The donation was made possible through the "Let's Ride" program, a partnership between the Steve Tilford Foundation and the Lawrence Schools Foundation. Volunteers spent 12 hours assembling the bikes prior to the two-day distribution event, which aims to remove financial barriers to bicycle access and help young students build confidence, learn safe riding skills and stay active in their neighborhoods.

Schools Foundation seeks recipients of 21 unclaimed scholarships

LAWRENCE, Kan. - The Lawrence Schools Foundation is searching for the recipients of 21 unclaimed scholarships from the previous academic year. The organization, which manages numerous scholarships for students at the city's two high schools, is exploring the best communication strategies — such as emails, text messages or directly contacting parents — to notify former students who have moved on to college that they have funds waiting to be collected.

Click here for local obituaries

Click here for local jail logs

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

Contact Us