School board approves Durham transportation contract

New bus technology to expand tracking and safety tools

District adopts over $1.16 million literacy curriculum

Board approves $140,900 for job-embedded teacher support

Woodlawn Elementary solar project approved

Dr. Amanda Faunce named lead principal of College and Career Center

Local educators honored for district and community impact

Severe weather disrupts Lawrence High School 'ShowTime'

School board approves Durham transportation contract

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The board of education approved, 5-0, a three-year transportation contract with Durham School Services, with two optional one-year renewals, as the district concludes the final year of its current contract with First Student. District leaders stated the selection of Durham introduces expanded safety tools, new customer service features and a commitment to continued operational refinements, including a route efficiency study in fall 2026. The estimated annual cost is $6.8 million for 2026-27, with 4 percent annual increases in subsequent years. The contract also includes a $1.50 hourly wage increase for drivers, signing bonuses of up to $2,000, use of the district's Facilities and Operations lot as the bus barn location and district fuel procurement for greater cost control.

New bus technology to expand tracking and safety tools

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The district's new transportation arrangement includes real-time bus tracking for student ridership, along with improved communication systems and safety features. Durham School Services' presentation also referenced Zonar GPS, the My Ride K-12 app for parent notifications and bus tracking, Samsara in-bus tools and routing software support. The official materials describe these as safety, communications and operational tools; they do not specifically frame them as facial-recognition technology.

District adopts over $1.16 million literacy curriculum

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The board of education approved, 5-0, the purchase of Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts for grades K-5 and Amplify English Language Arts for grades 6-8 for a total of $1,162,698, paid from the teaching and learning curriculum adoption fund. District leaders said the materials provide a vertically aligned, research-based literacy system focused on decoding, fluency, vocabulary, background knowledge and comprehension through systematic instruction. The adoption is designed to create a more coherent K-8 approach and reduce reliance on multiple supplemental resources and uneven classroom implementation.

Board approves $140,900 for job-embedded teacher support

LAWRENCE, Kan. — To support the rollout of the newly adopted literacy curriculum, the board of education also approved, 5-0, a one-time professional learning purchase of $140,900 to be paid from the Title II budget. District leaders said successful implementation will require sustained teacher support rather than a one-time training model. The funding is designated for professional development and is not eligible to be used for staff wages.

Woodlawn Elementary solar project approved

LAWRENCE, Kan. — As part of the consent agenda, the board of education approved a Woodlawn Elementary solar energy system project not to exceed $94,542.25 from capital outlay funds.

Dr. Amanda Faunce named lead principal of College and Career Center

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Superintendent Jeanice Kerr Swift announced the appointment of Amanda Faunce as lead principal of the Lawrence College and Career Center and Career and Technical Education, effective July 1, 2026. The district said the role is central to efforts to realign and strengthen Career and Technical Education programming across campuses and expand meaningful real-world learning opportunities and postsecondary pathways for students. Faunce most recently served as associate principal of Free State High School.

Local educators honored for district and community impact

LAWRENCE, Kan. — In her superintendent's report, Jeanice Kerr Swift recognized Cordley Elementary's Amanda Carlson, who was honored as a district finalist at the 2027 Kansas Region 2 Teacher of the Year banquet in Topeka, representing the state's forward-looking award cycle. She also recognized Lawrence High School band director Mike Jones, recipient of the Lied Center IMPACT Award. District leaders praised both educators for their contributions to students and school culture.

Severe weather disrupts Lawrence High School 'ShowTime'

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The school board highlighted the patience and goodwill shown by students, families and staff during Lawrence High School's ShowTime event, which was disrupted by two tornado warnings. Attendees were guided to designated emergency shelters inside the building.

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