photo by: Josie Heimsoth/Journal-World

Lawrence school board members met on Monday, June 9, 2025.

Despite a rise in graduation rates, Lawrence school officials flagged gaps for Native American students and English learner students and outlined a few steps to address them.

On Monday, school board members learned that the district’s graduation rate has risen by 4.5 percentage points over the past six years — from 82.8% in 2019 to 87.3% in 2024. Although graduation rates have trended upward in recent years, the district aims to improve and sustain them, with the ultimate goal of all students graduating on time within four years.

The district identified a “critical concern” among two student groups – Native Americans and English learners – where disparities have widened over time. In comparison to the overall district graduation rate, Native American students have been down 13.1% and English learners have decreased 10%.

The agenda also shows that four-year and five-year graduation rates have steadily increased over time for traditionally underserved student groups, including African American, Hispanic, multi-racial students, students with disabilities, and those experiencing poverty. Although the overall trend is upward for the group as a whole, graduation rates for Hispanic students and students experiencing poverty remained “even” compared to the previous year.

Students falling behind on graduation credits can join the Lawrence Diploma Completion Program — accessible through counselor or self-referral — to earn the credits needed for their diploma at their home high school, according to Monday’s presentation to the board.

The district outlined several next steps, including reviewing credit recovery needs for incoming 10th, 11th, and 12th graders and following up with those students; increasing engagement with Native American Student Services to provide culturally responsive support for Native American students behind on credits; and developing a targeted action plan to support English learners.

The presentation also highlighted the district’s peak graduation rate of 89.6% in 2022, surpassing both the state average of 89.3% and the national average of 86.9%. In 2023, the graduation rate was 87%.

Amy McAnarney, principal at Free State High School, shared some of the things the high schools do to encourage on-time graduation. She said there is a program where upperclassmen welcome and mentor ninth grade students each year; peer tutoring for math and science; mental health support and more.

Mark Preut, principal of the College & Career Academy and adult education services, said that for a lot of students, being a part of the academy was the difference between them staying in school and graduating or just saying it’s too much and dropping out.

“We provide those different opportunities for students to find a niche, find a group and connect with teachers, connect with each other and finish school,” Preut said.

Jenna Viscomi, administrator at Community Connections at Pinckney, said that to ensure students with disabilities graduate and reach their positive post secondary outcomes, they provide tailored support and address academic and non-academic needs.

“This includes implementing individual education plans that set clear, achievable transition plans and goals,” Viscomi said. “We support strong collaboration amongst our staff and families … Additionally, we have a strong and supportive school culture that promotes high expectations and celebrates diverse abilities.”

In other business, school board members:

* Increased the cost of full-price school breakfasts and lunches for the 2025-2026 school year by 10 cents.

Lunch prices for the upcoming school year will be $3.10 for elementary students, $3.30 for middle school students, and $3.35 for high school students. Adult lunches will be priced at $5.10. Breakfast will cost $1 less than lunch for all students and $2 less for adults. Reduced-price meals will stay the same, with lunch at 40 cents and breakfast at 30 cents.

* Approved a lease agreement with the Southeast Kansas Education Service Center – Greenbush to lease space at the former Wakarusa Valley Elementary School for three years beginning July 1, 2025, and ending on June 30, 2028, for a cost of $6,835 per month.

* Purchased four snow plow blades, including accessories and installation services, in the amount of $35,476.