Lawrence school board to discuss negotiation issues in special meeting on Thursday

photo by: Journal-World

Lawrence Public Schools district offices pictured in April 2021.

The Lawrence school board will convene for a special meeting on Thursday to discuss ongoing negotiations with a labor union representing the district’s classified staff.

Board President Erica Hill called for the board to meet virtually at 3 p.m. to discuss the matter in an executive session, which is a private meeting among the board members and some district administrators. According to the meeting agenda, the board may take action after meeting in executive session.

While the board recently ratified a labor contract with the local teachers union, the district continues to bargain with the newly created classified staff union, PAL-CWA. A representative for the union recently told the Journal-World that bargaining issues had recently focused on the union’s request for increased wages for classified staff.

Classified staff is a category that includes custodians, office and cafeteria staff and other employees who aren’t licensed teachers.

The public may watch the meeting on Midco channel 26 or online at youtube.com/USD497. While the meeting is being held virtually, the public may also watch at the district’s administrative office at 110 McDonald Drive. Those who attend in person will be required to wear a mask because of COVID-19.

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