WRITER: Josie Heimsoth

Lawrence school board members to have consultant complete 5-year enrollment projection and create address locator tool

A consultant that the Lawrence school district has worked with for many years will conduct a five-year enrollment projection for the district and create a new tool to show which schools children living at certain addresses should attend. On Monday, school board members unanimously voted to have consulting firm RSP & Associates LLC complete both of those tasks for $35,000. The board's meeting agenda said ...

Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging celebrates 50 years of supporting older adults

As the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, its executive director said that services nationwide are actively facing challenges, even as the older adult population grows. Susan Harris started with the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging, JAAA, about 21 years ago as a case manager, then as a supervisor and a program manager and now, the executive director. She said when it comes to ...

Lawrence school board leaves public comment off agenda for second consecutive meeting

Lawrence school board members again omitted a public comment period from their business meeting, marking the second meeting in a row without one. As the Journal-World reported, the board’s final meeting of the year on Dec. 8 did not include a public comment period, which in the past has typically occurred near the end of the meeting after board members concluded their discussions. Board president GR ...

Lawrence school board will begin discussing new policy setting target range for the district's operating cash reserves

Lawrence school board members next week will take a first look at a policy setting a target range for the district's operating cash reserves, aiming to maintain financial stability. On Monday, board members will discuss a fund balance policy requiring the district to manage its finances so that the projected year-end operating cash balances fall within a range of 12% to 20% of the prior year’s operating ...

Peaslee Tech names business leaders as co-chairs of committee on $10M endowment campaign

Peaslee Tech is taking its next steps on its $10 million endowment to expand access to debt-free technical education and long-term financial independence by appointing two community business leaders to help lead the effort. As the Journal-World reported, the Peaslee Promise Campaign is a $10 million endowment initiative designed to expand access to technical training and ensure long-time affordability for ...

Douglas County will soon take applications for a Black Jack Battlefield advisory board

Douglas County will soon be seeking applications for an advisory board to help give recommendations on how to preserve the Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park. On Wednesday, county commissioners approved a charter for a seven-member Black Jack Battlefield advisory board. As the Journal-World reported, Douglas County and Baldwin City acquired joint ownership of Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park in ...