COVID-19 pandemic: Our complete coverage

USD 497 Superintendent Anthony Lewis discusses closing schools throughout the state of Kansas

Superintendent Anthony Lewis met with Lawrence USD 497 journalists on March 18 to discuss the closings of schools across Kansas and how the district is responding.

Gov. Kelly orders Kansas school buildings to close for rest of year

All Kansas school buildings are to be closed for the remainder of the school year, Gov. Laura Kelly announced today during a press conference. This order, which applies to all K-12 schools, public and private, is a response to the recent spread of the COVID-19 virus. While all buildings and activities are closed, Kelly said a task force is currently working on developing a plan to continue ...

USD 497 statement on closure

This is the message sent to USD 497 families this afternoon about the closure of school buildings: Dear Staff and School Families, It with heavy hearts that we share that Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced today the closure of all K-12 schools in the state for the remainder of the school year. The closure order is effective immediately and follows consultation with Kansas education official...

Community steps up to combat food insecurity

With school closed for the next two weeks, many students will be left without a reliable source for meals. Free and reduced lunches are a valuable source for students in poverty, and the closure of schools affects when and where they can get nutrition. The community has taken notice of this. The Sunrise Project has started a “sharing shelf” at their headquarters near Liberty Memorial Cent...

All K-12 schools, activities ordered to close for two weeks

Update 3-17-2020 6:56 p.m. -- Gov. Laura Kelly has ordered all K-12 buildings to close for the remainder of the school year. All K-12 schools, including practices and activities, have been ordered today to close for 14 days by Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health. These closures, aimed to stem the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, also extend to recreational facilities, libraries and large pu...

Classes will resume on Monday amidst coronavirus cancellations

Update 3-17-2020 6:56 p.m. -- Gov. Laura Kelly has ordered all K-12 buildings to close for the remainder of the school year. While the boys basketball team competed last night in Wichita for a state title, health concerns kept the marching band and cheer team home. Amidst the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, a slew of major event cancellations across the United States prompted Superintendent Anthony ...