Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township public meetings in 2020
37 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
December 14, 2020 - Work Session and Monthly Board Meeting
The board will hold a work session and monthly meeting, receiving updates on facilities, makerspace equipment, COVID-19, and finances. The only action item is approval of new course proposals for high schools and McKenzie Center.
- Recognitions including Superintendent's Award and service of Carol Helmus
- Update on Blue Ribbon facilities projects and timelines
- Bid package #2 for Lawrence Central and Lawrence North high schools (pool, tennis, elevator, bleacher upgrades)
- Approval of Pam Dechert as Building Corporation board member
- Makerspace equipment purchase for nine elementary schools totaling $430,244.82 via Common School Fund loan
December 10, 2020 - Public Meeting
The Board of Education will hold a public meeting to conduct interviews for the open position in District #3 on the Board. No other business is scheduled.
- Interviews for the open Board of Education position in District #3
December 10, 2020- Executive Session
The Board of Education will hold an executive session on December 10, 2020, at 5:30pm at 6501 Sunnyside Road, Indianapolis. The private meeting is permitted under Indiana law to discuss the appointment of a public official, including developing a list of candidates, considering applications, and making initial exclusions.
- Executive session to discuss appointment of a public official under I.C. 5-14-1-1.5-6(b)
December 7, 2020- Executive Session
This is a virtual executive session of the Lawrence Township Board of Education. The board will meet privately with an outside consultant for training on the role of members as public officials. No public decisions or votes are expected.
- Training for board members with outside consultant on public official role
December 4, 2020- Executive Session
The Board of Education will meet in an executive session to discuss the appointment of a public official. The meeting includes developing a list of prospective appointees and considering applications.
- Develop a list of prospective appointees
- Consider applications
- Make one initial exclusion of prospective appointees from further consideration
November 30, 2020 - Monthly Board Meeting
The board will hold a public hearing on additional appropriations for the Education, Debt Service, and Operations Fund. It will also receive information on purchasing 20 acres from the Boy Scouts for $500,000, curriculum course recommendations, and policy updates. The additional appropriations do not change taxes, only allow spending of existing funds.
- Public hearing on additional appropriations for Education, Debt Service, and Operations Fund
- Information on purchasing 20 acres from Boy Scouts at Camp Belzer for $500,000
- Seeking permission to accept RFP for a furniture vendor to oversee purchasing for 10 projects
- Curriculum Advisory Council recommends three new courses (Health Science Education II Pharmacy, American Sign Language III, AP Art History) and weighted grades for advanced performing arts
- Second reading of NEOLA policies: Title IX nondiscrimination and drug/alcohol testing for CDL holders
November 16, 2020 - Work Session
The Lawrence Township school board will receive updates on facilities, equity, graduation rates, COVID-19, policy changes, salaries, and Chromebook procurement. They will then vote on approving renovation bids for ELC Mary E. Castle and ELC Amy Beverland, the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement, 2020-2021 classified and administrator salaries, and personnel reports.
- Approval of request to bid renovation projects at ELC Mary E. Castle and ELC Amy Beverland
- Approval of 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Approval of 2020-2021 Classified and Administrator Salaries
- Approval of Personnel Reports for November 16, 2020
- Discussion of RFP for student Chromebooks (grades K-12)
Special School Board Meeting: Pre-Ratification
The MSD Lawrence Township Board of Education will hold a public meeting to discuss the terms of the tentative teacher collective bargaining agreement for the 2020-2021 school year. This is a pre-ratification information session before any formal vote.
- Discussion of the 2020-2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement with teachers
Executive Session
The Board of Education of Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township will hold an executive session on November 12, 2020, to discuss strategy regarding collective bargaining. No public votes or formal decisions are scheduled during this closed session.
- Executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy under I.C. 5-14-1.5-6(b)
October 26, 2020 - Monthly Board Meeting
The board will consider approving an $11,770,291 guaranteed maximum price contract to Garmong for a new transportation facility, and vote on advertising additional appropriations for Education, Debt Service, and Operations funds. Information items include updates on Blue Ribbon facilities, equity and social justice, COVID-19, E-rate technology upgrades, a Common School Fund loan application for $1.54 million, and bond sale results.
- Approval of $11,770,291 GMP contract to Garmong for new transportation facility
- Permission to advertise additional appropriations for Education, Debt Service, and Operations funds
- Update on E-rate RFP for network switch, wireless access point, and UPS upgrades
- Common School Fund loan application for $1,540,000 for devices and technology upgrades
- Bond sale results: winning bid from Baker at 1.95%
October 12, 2020 - Work Session
The board will receive information on a $303,086 Volkswagen grant to replace 10 diesel buses with propane ones, updates on Blue Ribbon Facilities projects, equity and social justice, enrollment demographics, COVID-19, and additional appropriations. Action items include approval of a technology surplus declaration and personnel reports.
- $303,086 VW grant for 10 propane school buses
- Blue Ribbon Facilities update with project timelines
- Equity and Social Justice update
- Additional appropriations for Education, Debt Service, and Operations Funds
- Approval of Declaration of Technology Surplus (~2,000 items)
September 28, 2020 - Monthly Board Meeting
The board will receive information on a full virtual schooling option for students if needed, along with updates on COVID-19, Blue Ribbon facilities projects, and equity initiatives. Action items include approving the donation of surplus vehicles to the City of Lawrence Fire Department and setting application/enrollment windows for the next two school years.
- Donation of 2 buses and 1 van to City of Lawrence Fire Department for training and scrapping
- Approval of application and enrollment windows for 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years
- Discussion of full virtual schooling program option
- Update on COVID-19 and district response
- Blue Ribbon facilities project update with timelines
Special Meeting - Board Retreat
The Lawrence Township Board of Education will hold a special meeting as a board retreat, consisting solely of an executive session. The session is authorized under state law to train board members with an outside consultant on their role as public officials.
- Executive session for board member training with an outside consultant per I.C. 5-14-1-1.5-6(b)
September 14, 2020 - Work Session
The board will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2021 budget presented by CFO Michael Shreves. They will receive information on Blue Ribbon Facilities updates, middle school teaming, a Mathematica case study, COVID-19, and equity initiatives. Action items include approval of a revised web content policy and personnel reports.
- Public hearing on 2021 budget presented by CFO Michael Shreves
- Update on Blue Ribbon Facilities projects and timelines
- Second reading and approval of NEOLA Policy 7540.02 on web content and accessibility
- COVID-19 update from Dr. Tim Harshbarger
- Approval of personnel reports for September 14, 2020
Notice of Public Hearing - Commencement of Collective Bargaining.
The MSD of Lawrence Township Board of Education will hold a public hearing as required by Indiana law before commencing collective bargaining with the Lawrence Education Association. The hearing includes statements from administration and the union, followed by public comment.
- Public hearing on commencement of collective bargaining with Lawrence Education Association
August 24, 2020 - Monthly Board Meeting
The board will decide whether to approve $57,875,468 in contracts for Lawrence North High School renovations and authorize bid requests for a new transportation facility. Informational updates include results of Lawrence Central High School flooring and fire protection re-bids, a first reading of NEOLA web policy updates, and the introduction of the 2021 budget. Also on the agenda are updates on equity and social justice, return-to-school plans, and board goals.
- Approve results of Lawrence North Renovation Bids totaling $57,875,468 across 19 bid categories
- Approve Request for Bids for a new Transportation Facility
- Receive update on Lawrence Central High School re-bids: Jack Laurie flooring ($1,648,400) and Integrity Fire Protection ($706,200)
- First reading of NEOLA Policy 7540.02 on web content, services, and apps, addressing website accessibility
- Request permission to advertise the 2021 budget
August 10, 2020 - Work Session
The Board will hear updates on Blue Ribbon facilities projects and the design and purchase agreement for a new Transportation Center. They will receive results of the RFP for mass notification systems (proposals up to $1.3M) and discuss equity and social justice initiatives. Additionally, NEOLA policy updates will be presented for second reading. All items are for information; no formal action is scheduled.
- RFP results for district-wide mass notification system: proposals from CDW-G ($1.08M), Convergint ($1.3M), and New Era ($1.13M)
- Presentation of design and amendment to purchase agreement for new Transportation Center
- Equity and Social Justice update on eliminating racial and ethnic disparities
- 2nd reading of NEOLA policy updates, including changes to bylaws and new policies on collective bargaining and FAFSA notification
- Request for Board approval to retain Superintendent as designee for DOE excess cost placements
August 7, 2020- Executive Session
The Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township Board of Education will hold an executive session on August 7, 2020, at 8:00 am at 6501 Sunnyside Road in Indianapolis. The closed meeting will cover the assessment, design, and implementation of school safety and security measures. This agenda contains only procedural scheduling for a discussion session with no public vote or policy action scheduled.
- Executive session on August 7, 2020, at 8:00 am
- Location: 6501 Sunnyside Road, Indianapolis
- Purpose: Assessment, design, and implementation of school safety and security measures
- Legal basis cited: I.C. 5-14-1-1.5-6(b)
July 20, 2020 - Work Session and Monthly Board Meeting
The Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township Board of Education will hold a work session and monthly meeting. Information items include updates on Blue Ribbon facilities projects, a proposal to add members to the Building Corporation, and first reading of numerous NEOLA policy revisions. The board will also receive curriculum and partnership updates.
- Blue Ribbon facilities update with timelines for current projects
- Proposal to add Jeffrey Yu and Vincent Epps to the Building Corporation board
- First reading of NEOLA policy updates including new pandemic/epidemics policy and revised communicable disease policy
- Culinary resource renewal at MCIT at $14.40/semester (up from $5.20)
- Presentation on Simon Youth Foundation partnership
July 15, 2020- Executive Session
The Lawrence Township Board of Education will meet in executive session on July 15, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. at 6501 Sunnyside Road, Indianapolis. The session is called under Indiana Code 5-14-1-1.5-6(b). Attendees will discuss the assessment, design, and implementation of school safety and security measures, plans, and systems.
- Discussion of school safety and security measures, plans, and systems
June 17, 2020- Executive Session
The Board of Education will meet in executive session to discuss school safety and security measures, as permitted by state law. No public votes or decisions are scheduled.
- Executive session closed to the public for discussion of school safety and security measures
June 15, 2020 - Monthly Board Meeting
At this monthly board meeting, the board receives informational updates on several topics, including renovation bids for Lawrence Central High School totaling $54.6 million, plans for returning to school in 2020-2021, student handbook changes, and lunch prices. No votes or decisions are scheduled; all items are for discussion and information only.
- Lawrence Central High School renovation bids: 17 of 19 bid categories recommended for award at $52,088,516; two remaining categories to be brought later, total phase $54,588,516
- Return to school update for 2020-2021 school year presented
- Student handbook changes: seatbelt requirement on buses, tardy policy, absence notification, cell phone policy removed for middle schools
- Lunch prices unchanged for 2020-2021 due to PLE exemption; elementary $1.75, middle $1.80, high $1.85
- Request to publish RFP for mass notification system equipment and installation across district schools
May 11, 2020 - Executive Session
The Board of Education will hold an executive session on May 11, 2020, at 6:30 pm, either in person at 6501 Sunnyside Road, Indianapolis, or virtually due to the stay-at-home order. The purpose is to discuss job performance evaluations of individual employees as permitted under Indiana law. This is a closed session not open to the public.
- Executive session to discuss job performance evaluations of individual employees
May 11, 2020 - Monthly Board Meeting
The May 11 board meeting will include updates on Blue Ribbon facilities, strategic plans, fees and financial reports. The board will vote to approve the low‑bid roofing contracts for Lawrence Central High School ($885,291), Brook Park Elementary ($729,900) and Sunnyside Elementary ($132,560).
- Approve Lawrence Central High School roof contract – McGuff Roofing, Inc. – $885,291
- Approve Brook Park Elementary roof contract – AAA Roofing – $729,900
- Approve Sunnyside Elementary roof contract – Stay Dry Roofing – $132,560
- Presentation of 2019‑2020 Board Goals update (information item)
- Recommendation to lease 1:1 devices with JP Morgan Chase – $144,427.16
April 27, 2020 - Monthly Board Meeting
The board will hold a public hearing and then vote on the First Amendment to Lease and additional appropriations for the 2019 HS/ES/ELC Facility Improvement Project. Informational updates include rebids for projects at several schools, roof bids, proposed middle school mascot changes, curriculum resource adoption, lease for 1:1 devices, a protected tax waiver resolution, and a matched savings plan amendment. Action item 4.1 seeks approval of the 2019 facility improvement project.
- Public hearing and vote on First Amendment to Lease and additional appropriations for 2019 HS/ES/ELC Facility Improvement Project
- Rebids for concrete, storefront, masonry, and playground equipment at Forest Glen, Oaklandon, Winding Ridge, and Amy Beverland
- Roof bids for Forest Glen (AAA Roofing) and Oaklandon (Seamless Roofing)
- Proposal to change Belzer mascot from Bruins to Bears and Fall Creek Valley from Bearcats to Wildcats
- Permission requested to advertise lease proposals for 1:1 devices funded by Curricular Resource Fund
Wednesday, April 22, 2020- Executive Session
The Board of Education will hold an executive session virtually on Wednesday, April 22, 2020, due to the governor's stay-at-home order. The purpose is to train board members with an outside consultant about their role as public officials. This is a closed meeting with no public votes or decisions.
- Executive session for board member training with outside consultant (I.C. 5-14-1-1.5-6(b))
March 23, 2020 - Monthly Board Meeting
The Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township Board will hear information items including an INDOT easement purchase for $7,200, bid updates for Forest Glen and Oaklandon elementary renovations, preliminary design specifications for Lawrence Central High School, and vendor recommendations for wireless access points ($99,627.65) and distribution routers ($100,904.14) via E-rate funding. Results of an RFP for a public address system (equipment cost $164,231.30) will also be presented. No votes are scheduled; the board is receiving updates.
- INDOT easement purchase for $7,200 at Skiles Test property
- Bid updates for Forest Glen and Oaklandon elementary referendum renovations
- Preliminary design specifications for Lawrence Central High School
- Recommendation to approve Network Solutions, Inc. for wireless access points ($99,627.65 total, $19,925.40 after E-rate)
- Recommendation to approve Network Solutions, Inc. for distribution routers ($100,904.14 total, $20,180.83 after E-rate)
March 9, 2020 - Work Session
The board will consider approving guaranteed maximum price bids for renovations at Brook Park Elementary/ELC and Winding Ridge Elementary/ELC as part of referendum projects. They will also receive updates on facility projects, lease amendments for high schools and Oaklandon Elementary, a vehicle fleet program, e-learning, summer school, and the 5-8 Academy.
- Approval of RL Turner GMP bid for Brook Park Elementary and ELC-BP renovations
- Approval of Powers and Sons GMP bid for Winding Ridge Elementary and ELC-WR renovations
- Update on Blue Ribbon Facilities projects and timelines
- Resolutions for first amendment to lease and bond issuance for 2019-2023 HS/ES/ELC facility improvement
- Proposal to adopt Enterprise Fleet Management vehicle replacement program at ~$150,000/year
February 24, 2020 - Executive Session
The Board of Education will meet in executive session on February 24, 2020, at 6501 Sunnyside Road, Indianapolis. The sole purpose is to train school board members with an outside consultant about their performance as public officials, as permitted by Indiana code. No decisions or votes are scheduled.
- Executive session for training of board members with an outside consultant
February 24, 2020 - Monthly Board Meeting
The board will consider approving the Cenergistic Energy Conservation Program to reduce district energy costs. They will also vote on advertising bids for replacing ~1,000 mini desktop computers powering classroom interactive displays. Additionally, they will receive updates on Blue Ribbon projects, graduation rates, the 5-8 Academy, and the proposed naming of Lawrence Central baseball field as Challis-Pauszek Field.
- Approval of Cenergistic Energy Conservation Program for cost savings
- Authorization to advertise bid for replacing ~1,000 mini desktop computers (funded by Common School Fund loan)
- Proposal to rename Lawrence Central baseball field to Challis-Pauszek Field (requires Board policy action)
- Recognitions for transportation division staff and a Silverback check presentation to the foundation
- Updates on Blue Ribbon projects, graduation rates, and the 5-8 Academy
February 10, 2020 - Work Session
The Board will receive information on the Blue Ribbon Facilities projects, a Cenergistic energy conservation program, updates on the 403(b) provider selection and budget, and a proposal for a 5-8 Academy. Action items include approving the Cenergistic program, designating AXA Equitable as the 403(b) provider, authorizing a Chromebook RFP, and approving personnel reports.
- Approval of Cenergistic Energy Conservation Program
- Approval of AXA Equitable as 403(b) provider for MSDLT
- Approval of permission for RFP for Chromebooks
- Blue Ribbon Facilities update
- 5-8 Academy update
January 27, 2020 - Monthly Board Meeting
The board will hold recognitions and a Board of Finance meeting to elect a president, secretary, and appoint an investment officer. Information items include a Blue Ribbon Project update and second reading of NEOLA policy updates covering student discipline, safety, and enrollment. The board will also discuss RFPs for network cable upgrades and UPS battery backup equipment.
- Election of Board of Finance officers and appointment of investment officer, plus review of investment policy
- Second reading of NEOLA policy updates for 13 policies, including student discipline, suspension, homeless students, school safety, and drones
- Blue Ribbon Project update presented by Mr. Rodger Smith
- Request for RFP for network cable upgrades using remaining E-rate Category Two funds ($547,967)
- Request for RFP for UPS battery backup equipment
Special Meeting
The Lawrence Township Board of Education is holding a special meeting to conduct a swearing-in ceremony for its newest member. No other business is listed on the agenda.
- Swearing-in of newest board member at Lawrence Education and Community Center, 6501 Sunnyside Road
January 13, 2020 - Public Meeting
The Board of Education is holding a public meeting to conduct interviews for an open position on the board. The meeting will take place at the Lawrence Education and Community Center, 6501 Sunnyside Road, Indianapolis, at 4:00pm.
- Interviews for the open Board of Education position
January 13, 2020 - Executive Session
The Board of Education will hold an executive session to receive information about and interview prospective employees. This is a closed meeting with no public decisions. The agenda is procedural only.
- Executive session for the purpose of interviewing prospective employees
January 13, 2020 - Work Session/ Re-Organization Meeting
The Board of Education will hold its annual re-organization, electing officers and making appointments for the coming year. Additionally, the board will receive updates on Blue Ribbon Facilities projects and preliminary design specifications for Brook Park, the ELC-BP, Forest Glen, and Oaklandon elementaries, with potential approval to allow those projects to go to bid. The meeting also includes second and first readings of numerous NEOLA policy updates reflecting recent state legislation.
- Election of Board officers (President, Vice-President, Secretary) and appointment of financial leadership and committee representatives
- Blue Ribbon Facilities update on new projects and timelines
- Preliminary design specifications for Brook Park and the ELC-BP, seeking approval to go out to bid
- Preliminary design specifications for Forest Glen and Oaklandon Elementaries, seeking approval to go to bid
- Second reading of multiple NEOLA policy updates (e.g., Board of Finance, administrator contracts, coach training, public records) and first reading of additional policies (e.g., student discipline, drones, school safety)
Approved 2020 Board Minutes
This agenda consists solely of the approval of minutes from all Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township Board of Education meetings held during 2020, including monthly board meetings, work sessions, executive sessions, and special meetings. No new business, policy changes, or financial decisions are being made at this meeting.
- Approved minutes from January through December 2020 monthly board meetings
- Approved minutes from multiple executive sessions throughout 2020
- Approved minutes from work sessions and special meetings in 2020
- Audio and video recordings of 2020 board meetings included as attachments
- All items are retrospective approval of previously held meetings