Superintendent Swift previews Lawrence schools' back-to-school plans, reaffirms enrollment and student‑safety priorities

Superintendent Dr. Swift told the USD 497 Board of Education on Aug. 11 that Lawrence Public Schools are prepared to open for students on Aug. 13, with staff induction events completed and buildings staffed.

"We are sliding into home base, fully covered," Dr. Swift said, praising the human resources team and others for filling vacancies quickly. She said certified-staff induction was Aug. 5 and that staff welcomed students in transitions (kindergarten, sixth grade and ninth grade) before the full opening.

Swift described a districtwide theme for the year centered on "dignity," and highlighted several operational items the district has implemented or emphasized for the new school year:

- ParentSquare: The district launched the ParentSquare communications platform and has trained staff. "Between Aug. 7 and Aug. 8, more than 900 communications were sent regarding the tool," Swift said, and district leaders said they plan ongoing rollout and training.

- Staffing and professional development: Swift and staff noted new certified staff (about 96 at a welcome breakfast) and that around a third of new hires came from outside Kansas. Special education staff participated in updates and training provided by Greenbush.

- Facilities and projects: Facilities staff were credited for summer projects including playground installations (a new installation at Prairie Park was shown in the slides) and other maintenance needed for opening.

- Student safety and immigrant/refugee students: Swift said district practice has not changed and cited Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) guidance reminding school personnel that "their ultimate responsibility is the education and protection of all students" and that "all students have a constitutionally protected right to receive an education." She added the district continues to enroll children who live in the district and does not ask for particular pieces of immigration documentation at enrollment.

- Cell-phone policy: Swift described a district instructional policy described informally to staff as "bell to bell, no cell," intended to reduce classroom distractions and support instruction.

- Community outreach: Swift thanked volunteers and partners for the Kids Expo and the Lawrence Schools Foundation for coordinating a community event offering school supplies, helmets and other supports for families.

Deputy or other district staff also reported on staffing coverage. "We are fully covered across our buildings, and staffed for the opening of the year," said Doctor Smith (staff member), who credited the HR team for rapid hires.

Why it matters: Swift’s report covered operational readiness, communications, student safety, and staffing — all central to the start of the school year for students, families and staff. Her remarks also framed district practice on immigrant and refugee students in response to community concern.

Public comment: During the meeting’s public-comment period several attendees raised objections to district policies and materials, including claims about an LGBTQ advisory guide and a book in school collections. Those speakers included Michael (online commenter), Carrie (public commenter), and Justin (public commenter). The claims were made during public comment and were not debated or acted on by the board during this meeting.

What’s next: Staff and the board will continue the year‑start implementation of ParentSquare, monitor enrollment and staffing, and proceed with the budget hearings scheduled for Sept. 8.