photo by: Josie Heimsoth/Journal-World

Lawrence school board incumbents Kelly Jones and Shannon Kimball along with newcomer Matt Lancaster were sworn in on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026.

The winners of the 2025 general election for Lawrence school board were sworn in at the board’s meeting on Monday, as was the fourth-place finisher who was chosen to fill a vacant seat.

The three top finishers in November were incumbents Kelly Jones and Shannon Kimball and newcomer Matt Lancaster, and they were sworn in by Douglas County Clerk Jamie Shew. In addition, incumbent Bob Byers — the fourth-place finisher — was appointed and sworn-in to fill the vacancy that was left after board member Anne Costello resigned in October 2025.

photo by: Josie Heimsoth/Journal-World

Incumbent Bob Byers was sworn in on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 to fill a vacant seat on the Lawrence school board.

Before the election results were finalized, board members approved allowing the fourth-place finisher to fill the vacant seat, as the Journal-World reported. According to the agenda, “the board president and past president reviewed the Board Governance and Operating Manual section addressing board vacancies, as well as the application materials and procedures used” during a past vacancy process to come to this recommendation.

photo by: Josie Heimsoth/Journal-World

Lawrence school board members and Superintendent Jeanice Swift are pictured on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026.