Lawrence schools warn of state and federal funding risks; budget update shows contingency gains but special‑education gap remains

Lawrence Public Schools financial staff told the Board of Education Monday that the district is building fiscal strength but faces continued uncertainty from state and federal decisions affecting special‑education and other targeted funds.

"We have met the board's predetermined targets for contingency," Dr. Janice Swift, superintendent, told the board, while cautioning that the district must continue to build reserves because of an environment of "extreme uncertainty."

Cindy Frick, director of finance, gave the spring budget update and walked members through the district’s fund structure, the roles of the general fund, local option budget (LOB), special revenue funds and capital outlay, and how state and federal flows feed those accounts. Frick said the district operates roughly 50 funds and that capital outlay has a cash balance the district can use, if necessary, to replace grant revenues for some projects.

Key points from the…