photo by: Mike Yoder

Supporters of the local Save Our Schools group, concerned about possible school closings, rally outside of the district office, 110 McDonald Drive on Monday, Jan. 24, 2022. The group was holding the rally before the Monday evening school board meeting to demonstrate their opposition to proposed cost-saving measures that would close a number of neighborhood schools.

The local group Save Our Schools is planning a community event and two rallies as the Lawrence school board prepares to discuss possible school closings.

Save Our Schools will host a gathering at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in South Park, according to a news release. The gathering, Celebrate Our Schools, will include speakers, music, food trucks and activities. There will also be a video booth where attendees can voice their support for neighborhood schools.

The group will also hold rallies prior to the next two school board meetings, the board’s regular meeting on Monday and a special meeting on Feb. 21. The rallies begin at 5 p.m. at district offices, 110 McDonald Drive.

The school district has said it is facing a budget shortfall of an estimated $3.2 million to $3.85 million, but those estimates have increased to as much as $7 million if the board is to move forward with other priorities, such as increasing staff compensation.

As part of its meeting Monday, the Lawrence school board will discuss three budget-reduction packages and a recently completed equity analysis regarding proposals to close multiple schools. The school board will decide whether it wants to keep school closures on the table at its meeting on Feb. 21.