Board approves tax rebate for historic Reuter Organ building in split vote

Preschool tuition increased for non-qualifying families

Legislative report highlights zero-dollar increase for special education

District warns of restrictive state education bills

Calendar vote delayed over Indigenous Peoples Day

Superintendent clarifies policy on immigrant student enrollment

Board member voices support for student walkout

Board approves tax rebate for historic Reuter Organ building in split vote

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Lawrence Board of Education approved a 95 percent, 15-year Neighborhood Revitalization Act tax rebate to aid in the rehabilitation of the historic Reuter Organ Company buildings in a 5-1 decision. The development team, including property owner Matt Gilhousen, argued the incentive was necessary to make the restoration of the industrial site financially feasible, citing a low projected return on investment. While the majority of the board supported the measure citing job creation and historic preservation, one member cast a dissenting vote without comment during the roll call.

Preschool tuition increased for non-qualifying families

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The board voted unanimously to increase monthly tuition for the district's preschool program to $690 for the 2026-27 school year for families who do not qualify for state-funded slots. Interim Superintendent Jeanice Swift noted that despite the increase, the district's rates remain significantly lower than private market options in Lawrence. Board discussion during the vote highlighted the program as a fundamental equity strategy for the district.

Legislative report highlights zero-dollar increase for special education

LAWRENCE, Kan. — A legislative update presented to the board indicated that the current state budget proposal includes no new funding for special education, failing to meet the state department's request for $145 million. Board representatives warned that without new funding, the state's coverage of excess special education costs could drop to near 60 percent, which would shift a larger financial burden onto the local district's general fund.

District warns of restrictive state education bills

LAWRENCE, Kan. — During a review of ongoing legislative activity, the board discussed several bills introduced in the Kansas Legislature described as micromanaging local control. These proposals include mandates regarding kindergarten readiness, strict bans on student cell phone use, and verification requirements for free and reduced lunch applications. It was noted that the volume of such mandates has been high during the first 15 days of the session.

Calendar vote delayed over Indigenous Peoples Day

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The board deferred a vote on the proposed academic calendars for the next two school years to allow staff time to investigate the feasibility of adding Indigenous Peoples Day as a designated holiday. Concerns were raised by the board that the day was not recognized on the draft calendar despite previous discussions. Staff indicated that adding a holiday would require scheduling adjustments or negotiations, but agreed to present options at the Feb. 9 meeting.

Superintendent clarifies policy on immigrant student enrollment

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Interim Superintendent Jeanice Swift issued a clarification regarding immigrant and refugee students, reaffirming that the district follows Kansas State Department of Education guidelines to not inquire about a child's immigration status. Swift stated that public schools have a legal obligation to enroll and protect all students regardless of status and that outside organizations seeking access to students would be directed to the superintendent's office to ensure proper legal protocols are followed.

Board member voices support for student walkout

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Following a student walkout at Lawrence High School regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities, a board member expressed support for the participating students. The member, a Lawrence High alumna, praised the students for their activism and noted that their actions align with state standards regarding civic engagement.

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