Educate Lawrence is dedicated to educating Lawrence citizens about legislation affecting public schools and advocating for full and fair funding to educate Lawrence children.

Decreases in state revenue in recent years led the legislature to cut funding to public education several times. During the 2008-2009 school year, the Base State Aid Per Pupil was $4,400. This year it was $3,780. State funding for education has not been lower since 1999. As a result, the Lawrence school district (USD497) has been forced cut more than $10 million during the last three years.

Every student in Lawrence has been affected by these cuts. The following lists only a few of the reductions USD497 was forced to make:
* closed Wakarusa Valley Elementary School

* increased the number of students in classrooms
* cut bus transportation for students living within 2.5 miles of school
* reduced library media services
* reduced fine arts programming
* reduced guidance services
* reduced student support services

The good news is that the shortfall in state revenue has ended. According to the April 2012 Consensus Revenue Estimate, the overall revenue estimate for fiscal year 2011 was increased by $129.4 million. The state can restore funding to our schools and we can stop compromising our children’s future.

We need your help to make sure Kansas legislators hear that restoring funding for public education is a priority in our community!

Join Educate Lawrence to stay informed, receive occasional updates, and share your priorities with your state legislators using the form below.

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Example: 1031 Vermont St. Lawrence, KS 66044