District seeks input on shifting graduation date

Lawrence public school district administrators are looking to change the date of high school graduation, but they want to hear public input before the school board makes a final decision.

Right now, graduation ceremonies for both Lawrence and Free State High schools are scheduled for Sunday, May 30. But that’s two weeks after seniors take their last final. District officials are recommending the commencement be May 23.

“No one has thrown significant red flags in terms of the change,” Superintendent Rick Doll said.

The Kansas University commencement is May 16, another date the district wanted to avoid. District leaders are hoping by discussing the date change now, the people who would be going to see someone graduate have enough notice.

“We’re hoping that this is going to give everybody ample time to plan and prepare,” said Rick Gammill, special operations division director.

The district has also checked with Project Graduation organizers and high school administrators. There haven’t been any issues brought up, but the board and the district want public input on the change.

For now, the good-weather plan is to use the new outdoor athletic stadiums at each high school. The district is still working on an inclement-weather plan.

“It isn’t a done deal,” board member Mary Loveland said. “If we hear a negative reaction about it, we have to pause.”

People with concerns or ideas are asked to contact the high school principals or school board members. All contact information can be found on the district’s Web site, usd497.org.