Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education Meeting | September 14th, 2026

The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education held a meeting on September 14, 2026, primarily focused on budget discussions and approval. The board conducted a revenue neutral rate hearing and subsequently approved a resolution to exceed the revenue neutral tax rates for the 2026-2027 budget year. Public comments highlighted concerns about rising property taxes despite declining student enrollment and called for more transparency on budget cuts and cost-saving initiatives. The board approved the 2026-2027 budget, which included a 5% increase largely driven by personnel costs and mandated transfers for special education and bilingual programs. Additionally, the board adopted a new Title One programs policy to meet federal requirements. Updates on capital projects such as the Lawrence High School chiller installation and track completion were provided, along with discussions on energy rebates and facility usage. The meeting also featured presentations on graduation rates and post-secondary success, emphasizing efforts to improve student engagement and support. No new contracts or procurement awards were detailed, but budget allocations and policy adoptions with procurement implications were key agenda items.