Lawrence selected for state assessment pilot program

Board member raises concerns over federal role in assessment pilot

Equity Council directed to examine arts program accessibility

Visual and performing arts department unveils public event calendar

State imposes new technology use policy for schools

Education task force to revisit expiring school finance formula

Revenue forecast highlights potential for full special education funding

Board expresses optimism for public education following state elections

Lawrence selected for state assessment pilot program

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Lawrence Public Schools has been approved to participate in the second cohort of the Kansas three-year curriculum-directed assessment framework pilot. Superintendent Jeanice Swift announced that the district will begin piloting brief, rigorous quarterly assessments during the 2027-2028 school year, replacing a single end-of-year summative assessment. The initiative will be led by Assistant Superintendent Cole Amaya and Director of Data, Assessment, & Informational Technology James Polk, working closely with local English language arts and mathematics teachers to align testing with standard curricula.

Board member raises concerns over federal role in assessment pilot

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Following the announcement of the district's inclusion in a new state assessment pilot, a board member expressed reservations due to the program's connection to the U.S. Department of Education's innovative assessment demonstration authority. Citing concerns about the federal department's recent support for public schools, a request was made for a detailed review of the pilot and its potential impact on teachers before its official launch. Superintendent Jeanice Swift agreed to present more information to the board as the pilot's framework is developed.

Equity Council directed to examine arts program accessibility

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The board directed its Equity Council to investigate potential barriers to student participation in visual and performing arts programs, particularly regarding race, ethnicity and income. The board initiated the request, emphasizing the need to ensure equitable access to programs that require costly instruments or specific resources. The review aims to identify hidden challenges and improve diverse representation across all district arts initiatives.

Visual and performing arts department unveils public event calendar

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Assistant Director of Visual and Performing Arts David Hastings presented a comprehensive update on the district's visual and performing arts programs, unveiling a newly created public Google calendar that tracks all district fine arts events. The initiative, built with input from local teachers, allows residents to easily locate and attend school plays, concerts and art shows across Lawrence. Hastings also noted ongoing efforts to standardize the arts curriculum and address disparities in school arts facilities.

State imposes new technology use policy for schools

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Kansas State Board of Education passed a new technology use policy requiring all districts to adopt safe and purposeful instructional technology plans by July 1, 2027. It was reported to the board that the state board amended its original draft to require parental acknowledgment rather than an affirmative opt-in for all student technology use, a provision that will go into effect in July 2028. The policy passed on an 8-2 vote and includes a sunset clause for 2030, meaning a future state board must vote to extend it.

Education task force to revisit expiring school finance formula

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Kansas Education Funding Task Force is preparing to make critical recommendations to the state Legislature regarding the future of the Kansas school finance formula, which is set to expire on June 30, 2027. The task force, which has four meetings remaining this year, will review proposals and vote on final recommendations in December. The board urged the public to monitor the committee's livestreamed meetings, noting that the Legislature must act on the base state aid formula during the upcoming legislative session.

Revenue forecast highlights potential for full special education funding

LAWRENCE, Kan. — A recent state revenue forecast projecting an additional $400 million for the upcoming fiscal year could pave the way for fully funding the state's portion of special education. The board highlighted the financial projection, noting that the resources are available to theoretically close the funding gap in a single year. Board members expressed hope that newly elected state officials will capitalize on this opportunity to deliver on campaign promises supporting public education.

Board expresses optimism for public education following state elections

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Several board members voiced optimism regarding the future of public school support following recent state elections, which resulted in significant turnover in the Kansas House of Representatives. Board member Shannon Kimball noted that the changing legislative landscape presents a crucial opportunity to build relationships with newly elected officials and influence committee processes. Members collectively celebrated the defeat of voucher proposals and expressed hope that the new Legislature will prioritize local control and adequate funding for public schools.

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