photo by: Dylan Lysen/Lawrence Journal-World

A message written in chalk in front of Broken Arrow Elementary School says the school is "small but mighty." Parents and students of the school gathered to write messages in support of keeping the school open on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, as the school district considers options that could close it and other eastern and central Lawrence schools.

A local group concerned about possible school closings plans to rally outside tonight’s Lawrence school board meeting in opposition to proposed cost-saving measures that would shutter a number of neighborhood schools.

The group, Save Our Schools, is working to show solidarity with a list of eastern and central Lawrence schools that are on the chopping block to address the district’s multimillion-dollar budget shortfall. Broken Arrow, Hillcrest, New York, Pinckney and Woodlawn elementary schools, as well as Liberty Memorial Central Middle, could all be affected.

To date, the board has not taken any definitive action on any of the school-closing scenarios the district’s boundary committee has been discussing. However, more recent discussions have involved scenarios where several school buildings are shuttered at once.

Tonight, the group plans to rally at 4:30 p.m. at the district office, 110 McDonald Drive, before the board meeting begins at 6 p.m.

The Save Our Schools website includes instructions for residents interested in joining with tonight’s efforts. It also provides guidance for any individuals interested in providing public comment during the board meeting. Those who wish to speak during the public comment portion of the meeting, either in person or online, must send an email to PublicComment@usd497.org before the meeting begins at 6 p.m.

Also of note on the website, Save Our Schools plans to call on the school board to request American Rescue Plan Act funds from Douglas County.

Editor’s note: This story has been revised to delete an incorrect statement about ARPA deadlines.