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District details Centennial Campus plan for personalized, flexible learning hub
Summary
At the June 8 meeting Lawrence Public Schools leaders previewed the Centennial Campus, a flexible, personalized-learning hub that will enroll students beginning in July with programming designed around interdisciplinary projects, mastery-based assessment, extended hours and pathway facilitators; board members pressed on contracts, hiring, enrollment capacity and family supports.
Lawrence Public Schools presented detailed plans on June 8 for the Centennial Campus, a new personalized-learning hub the district says will complement comprehensive high schools and Lawrence Virtual School.
Superintendent Dr. Swift introduced the report and turned the presentation over to Zach Harwood, who described Centennial as a "central hub" that will connect existing district programs while adding Centennial-specific interdisciplinary projects designed to let students earn credit across subject areas. "Students know what they need and it is our job to provide that to them," Harwood said, outlining coursework, mastery-based assessments, and examples such as student-run small businesses or designing and teaching a week-long lesson to demonstrate mastery in world history.
The model emphasizes flexibility: students may attend portions of the day, shift between Centennial and their comprehensive high school, and take advantage of extended evening hours. Staffing plans include pathway facilitators — staff who coordinate individual plans, monitor progress, and help students transition through personalized schedules. Mr. Harwood said applications will open July 8 and the team expects to enroll students in August; a full selection process for some leadership roles will extend into fall where noted.
Dr. Jeremiah, who added program context, emphasized two headline features: a flexible campus for innovation and extended operating hours (an "8-to-8" schedule) to provide additional access and supports for students who need different timing or place-based options.
Board members pressed presenters on operational and legal questions, including how Centennial would align with collective-bargaining agreements and LEA rules, the speed of hiring given an August start, and supports for families who may have limited capacity to participate in on-site activities. Mr. Harwood said the team will work closely with district labor partners and with LEA representatives to ensure compliance, and that scheduling and staffing will be built around enrolled students as applications are received. The board requested follow-up reports on enrollment capacity, wait-list procedures, and partnership outreach to community agencies and juvenile programs.
No formal vote was taken; the board received the presentation and asked staff to return with implementation details as applications open.
Sources: Presentation by Zach Harwood and Dr. Jeremiah, and Q&A with board members at the June 8 board meeting.
