Lawrence Public Schools continues to work in collaboration with local public health and state agencies as it plans recovery efforts related to the changes brought about by COVID-19. District administration and the Lawrence Education Association have collaborated in the creation of the Together Again: Fall 2020 Planning Task Force. More than 200 district and school administrators, curriculum and instructional coaches, and teachers representing various grade levels, subject areas, and specialties are participating in working groups to discuss the start of the 2020-2021 school year for all school levels, early childhood, elementary, middle school, and high school.

Knowing that no one-size-fits-all approach will meet our school community's needs, the task force will develop contingency plans based on the guiding principles of protecting the health and safety of students and staff and supporting student mastery of the state standards that define what Kansas students should know and be able to do. The task force will review U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for schools and consider feedback from students and school families about the spring continuous learning plan. The district will use federal CARES Act funding to compensate teachers for their participation.

When the 2020-2021 school year begins, schools may look different than in previous years due to new health and safety measures. Staff and school families may see adjusted schedules, smaller learning environments, continued e-learning opportunities, and other changes intended to meet public health recommendations. The task force's planning process will include surveying families about their needs, preferences, and concerns related to the upcoming school year. 

The Kansas State Department of Education is anticipated to provide statewide reopening guidance to schools by July 16. All plans are subject to change with public health updates.

Lawrence Public Schools sincerely appreciates staff members who are dedicating time this summer to this important task. Thanks also to our school families for their continued partnership!

Note: All task force documents posted to these pages are working documents and subject to change.