Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township public meetings in 2021

Work Session and Monthly Board Meeting

The Lawrence Township school board holds a combined work session and monthly meeting. The board will hear updates on Blue Ribbon facilities projects, equitable student outcomes, and COVID-19 safety. Action items include approval of a year-end fund transfer between Education and Operations Funds (amount to be determined) and approval of new course recommendations for 2022-23, including 5 new courses and many Next Level Programs of Study courses.

• Blue Ribbon facilities update with project timelines
• Resolution to transfer funds between Education and Operations Funds at year-end (amount TBD)
• Declaration of technology surplus: ~2,560 items (Chromebooks, monitors, etc.) for recycling/disposal
• Approval of new course recommendations for 2022-23, including American Sign Language IV and career pathway courses
• Equitable Student Outcomes update on eliminating racial and ethnic disparities

Monthly Board Meeting

The board will vote on approving Phase II HVAC replacement projects for Belzer Middle School, Fall Creek Valley Middle School and the Lawrence Education and Community Center. It will also consider authorizing an advertisement for a Request for Proposals to acquire a district-wide Document Management System. Several informational items will be presented, including updates on Blue Ribbon facilities, enrollment and demographics, equitable student outcomes, and the district’s financial status.

• Approval of HVAC Upgrades Phase II for Belzer MS ($1,225,000), Fall Creek MS ($1,365,000) and LECC ($1,200,000)
• Approval to advertise RFP for a Document Management System
• Blue Ribbon Facilities project update (information)
• Enrollment and Demographic update for 2021‑2022 school year (information)
• Financial update for General Fund and Transportation Fund (information)

Executive Session

The Board of Education is holding an executive session on November 15, 2021. This session is procedural, with no votes or public decisions; it is dedicated to discussing strategy related to collective bargaining.

• Executive session notice for collective bargaining strategy discussion

Special School Board Meeting

The Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township Board of Education will hold a special meeting at the Lawrence Education and Community Center. The board will receive an update and then vote on approving the 2021-2022 classified and administrative salaries as presented by Ms. Carla Johnson.

• Approval of 2021-2022 Classified and Administrative Salaries
• Presentation by Ms. Carla Johnson on salary update

Work Session

The board will hear updates on Blue Ribbon facilities, graduation rates, technology RFPs, and NEOLA policy revisions. Action items include approval of the 2021-2022 collective bargaining agreement, permission to bid Lawrence Central Pool and site improvements at Lawrence Central and Lawrence North, and a 5-year contract with ClassLink for identity management.

• Approval of 2021-2022 Collective Bargaining Agreement (teachers contract)
• Approval to bid Lawrence Central Pool and athletic field/parking improvements at Lawrence Central and Lawrence North
• Approval of 5-year ClassLink agreement ($4,995 one-time, $46,760 annual) for identity and rostering system
• Update on Blue Ribbon facilities projects and timelines
• Planned RFPs for student Chromebooks and teacher laptop replacements

Special School Board Meeting: Pre-Ratification

The MSD Lawrence Township Board of Education will hold a special pre-ratification meeting to discuss the terms of the tentative teacher collective bargaining agreement. This is an informational and procedural item, with no final vote scheduled at this meeting.

• Discussion of tentative teacher collective bargaining agreement

Executive Session

The Board of Education will meet in executive session, closed to the public, to discuss strategy related to collective bargaining. No public decisions or votes will occur at this session.

• Closed session for collective bargaining strategy discussions

Work Session and Monthly Board Meeting

The Lawrence Township School Board will consider action on a Common School Loan application estimated at $1,582,000 to fund student and teacher device refreshes. The board also will vote on permission to bid Phase II HVAC equipment and upgrades at Fall Creek Valley, Belzer, and the Lawrence Education and Community Center. Several information items will be presented, including a Blue Ribbon facilities update and first reading of NEOLA policy updates.

• Approval to bid Phase II HVAC upgrades at Fall Creek Valley, Belzer, and LECC (work scheduled April–August 2022)
• Approval to apply for a Common School Loan of up to $1,582,000 for device refresh for incoming 5th and 9th graders and teacher devices
• Approval of application and enrollment windows for 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 school years
• Approval of 2021–2022 Board Goals
• First reading of NEOLA nondiscrimination and anti-harassment policy updates

Monthly Board Meeting

The board will consider approving HVAC upgrade bids and a construction manager contract for renovations at Fall Creek Valley, Belzer Middle School, and Lawrence Education and Community Center. It will also receive updates on Blue Ribbon facilities projects, equitable student outcomes, safety, health, and finances. Recognitions include AP Scholars and Summer Reading Challenge winners.

• Approve HVAC Phase I upgrades: Lehman's Mechanical for Belzer and Fall Creek Valley, Irish Mechanical Services for LECC
• Approve Powers and Sons as Construction Manager Contractor for Belzer, Fall Creek Valley, and LECC renovations
• Authorize RFP for managed services for grounds maintenance, plant operations, and custodial services
• Receive update on Blue Ribbon facilities projects
• Presentation on equitable student outcomes to eliminate racial disparities in achievement

Work Session

The Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township Board of Education held a work session to review the 2022 budget and receive updates on facilities, staffing, and equity initiatives. The board approved the 2021-2022 board goals, re-adopted the Teacher Appreciation Grant policy, and approved the September personnel report. Public comment was opened regarding the 2022 budget.

• Public hearing on the 2022 budget
• Update on Blue Ribbon Facilities Projects
• Request for proposal for grounds, plant operations, and custodial services
• Approval of the 2021-2022 board goals and Teacher Appreciation Grant policy
• Personnel report for September 13, 2021

Notice of Public Hearing - Commencement of Collective Bargaining.

The MSD of Lawrence Township Board of Education will hold a public hearing on September 9, 2021 at 4:45 pm to discuss the commencement of collective bargaining as required by Indiana Code 20-29-6-1(a). The hearing includes statements from district administration and the Lawrence Education Association, followed by public comment.

• Public hearing on commencement of collective bargaining
• Public comment period after statements from administration and teachers union

Monthly Board Meeting

The board will receive information-only updates on facility projects, budget adoption, and operational matters. No votes or decisions are scheduled at this meeting.

• Bond sale update: $75 million issued at 1.87% interest rate; 35 firms competed
• Blue Ribbon facilities project update with timelines
• Permission to bid HVAC equipment upgrades at Fall Creek Valley, Belzer, and LECC
• City of Indianapolis easement request at Winding Ridge Elementary for Lennar Homes development
• Permission to advertise the 2022 budget

Executive Session

The Lawrence Township Board of Education will meet in an executive session on August 20, 2021 at 6501 Sunnyside Road, Indianapolis. The session is called under I.C. 5-14-1-1.5-6(b) to discuss job performance evaluations of individual employees. No other agenda items are listed.

• Executive session to discuss job performance evaluations of individual employees (per I.C. 5-14-1-1.5-6(b)).

Special Meeting - Board of Education

The board will receive a COVID-19 update from Dr. Shawn Smith and then vote on his recommendation to approve a mandatory mask mandate for all Lawrence Township schools, effective August 16, 2021. The update reports 545 current student quarantines, 80 student positives, and 11 staff positives since the start of the school year.

• COVID-19 update: 545 students quarantined, 80 students positive, 3 teachers positive, 8 staff positive since start of school year
• Superintendent recommends mandatory mask mandate for all schools effective August 16, 2021

Special Meeting - Board Retreat

The Board of Education is holding a special meeting for a board retreat at 5830 N. Post Road. The only agenda item is an executive session to train school board members with an outside consultant about their performance as public officials, as permitted by Indiana code. No decisions or public discussions are scheduled.

• Executive session for board member training with an outside consultant under I.C. 5-14-1-1.5-6(b)

July 19, 2021 - Work Session and Monthly Board Meeting

The MSD of Lawrence Township Board will receive information on a net $4,980,816.61 transfer between the Education and Operations Funds for the 2021 fiscal year. They will also hear updates on Blue Ribbon facilities projects, a proposed 2022 budget calendar, and NEOLA policy changes in first reading.

• Report of $7,620,777.90 from Education Fund to Operations Fund and $2,279,961.29 from Operations Fund to Education Fund, net $4,980,816.61
• Permission to advertise for equipment to outfit the new transportation facility
• Inter-fund loan resolution between Operations Fund and Preschool/Loving Care Funds to cover a deficit due to COVID-19
• Proposed 2022 Budget Adoption Schedule starting with introduction on August 23, 2021
• First reading of NEOLA policy updates across multiple board policies

June 14, 2021 - Work Session and Monthly Board Meeting

This is a work session and monthly board meeting of the MSD of Lawrence Township Board of Education. The board will discuss a recommendation to hire Fanning & Howey to design and oversee HVAC replacements at Fall Creek Valley, Belzer, and LECC. Other discussion items include Blue Ribbon facilities projects, CARES III funding, employee handbook updates, proposed lunch prices, a year-end fund transfer resolution, and an equity and social justice update.

• Discussion of hiring Fanning & Howey for HVAC upgrades at Fall Creek Valley, Belzer, and LECC.
• Blue Ribbon facilities update on construction projects and timelines.
• Proposed transfer of funds between Education and Operations Funds at fiscal year-end.
• Proposed lunch prices for 2021-2022 school year.
• Updates to Classified Employee Handbook and Transportation Employee Handbook for 2021-2022.

May 17, 2021 - Work Session and Monthly Board Meeting

The May 17, 2021 meeting of the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township Board includes a public hearing on the superintendent's contract and several informational updates on facilities, textbook fees, the Pay‑to‑Play fee, technology equipment surplus, and a virtual‑program waiver. The board will also receive updates on equity, COVID‑19, financial reports, and committee activities. The meeting concludes with an action item to approve the disposal of district buses.

• Public hearing on Superintendent's Contract
• Lawrence Central High School bleacher replacement bid – recommendation to reject Irwin bid and approve Toadvine Enterprises
• Recommendation to eliminate the $150,000 annual Pay‑to‑Play fee
• Resolution for Indiana Department of Education flexibility waiver for Connect LT virtual program
• Approval of disposal of buses

Executive Session

The Lawrence Township Board of Education is holding an executive session (closed to the public) to discuss job performance evaluations of individual employees. No votes or public decisions are scheduled; this is a procedural meeting under Indiana code.

• Executive session for job performance evaluation of individual employees (I.C. 5-14-1-1.5-6(b))

Executive Session

The Board of Education will hold an executive session on April 30, 2021, at 6501 Sunnyside Road to discuss job performance evaluations of individual employees, as permitted by state law. No public decisions or votes will take place during this closed meeting.

• Purpose: discussion of job performance evaluations of individual employees per I.C. 5-14-1-1.5-6(b)

April 26, 2021 - Monthly Board Meeting

The Lawrence Township school board will meet to receive updates on Blue Ribbon facilities, the Sharing Place food pantry, summer school, equity initiatives, and COVID-19. Action items include approval of a 1:1 device lease with JP Morgan Chase for $302,377.35, disposal of two buses, a protected tax waiver resolution, and an RFP for fiber connectivity to the new transportation center.

• Approval of 1:1 devices lease proposal with JP Morgan Chase for $302,377.35
• Disposal of school bus #77 (totaled in crash) and bus #247 (excessive repairs)
• Resolution for 2021 Protected Tax Waiver per state guidance
• Permission to publish RFP for fiber connectivity to new H. Donald Inskeep Transportation Center
• Update on Blue Ribbon Facilities projects and timelines

The Board approved lease proposals for 1:1 devices with JP Morgan and adopted curriculum recommendations for AVID and K-6 Social Studies. Other actions included approving a tax waiver and permission to publish an RFP for transportation facility connectivity.

• Approved JP Morgan for 1:1 Devices leases (5-0)
• Approved cancellation of outstanding checks (5-0)
• Approved 2021 Protected Tax Waiver and Resolution (5-0)
• Approved AVID Curriculum Recommendations (5-0)
• Approved K-6 Social Studies Curriculum Recommendations (5-0)
• Approved permission to publish RFP for connectivity to new Transportation Facility (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda items 4.8 through 4.13 (5-0)

April 12, 2021 - Work Session

The Board of Education reviewed several information items including facility updates, technology surplus results, and COVID-19 updates. The Board took action to approve the Amy Beverland New Bus Drive contract and various personnel reports.

• Approved Mammoth Inc. for the Amy Beverland New Bus Drive project for $664,200.00
• Reviewed 1:1 Device Lease Proposals including bids from JP Morgan Chase ($302,377.35) and others
• Reviewed technology surplus results totaling $142,665.00 across various equipment categories
• Approved the April 12, 2021 Personnel Reports

March 22, 2021 - Monthly Board Meeting

The board will vote on awarding two construction contracts for Lawrence Central and Lawrence North high schools: a metal studs and drywall contract to Pepper Construction for $875,000 and a masonry contract to Iwanski Masonry for $1,262,000. They will also receive information updates on Blue Ribbon facilities projects, COVID-19, equity and social justice, and financial reports. Other action items include approval of minutes, personnel reports, claims, service agreements, and donations.

• Award Metal Studs and Drywall contract to Pepper Construction for $875,000 (LC/LN high schools)
• Award Masonry contract to Iwanski Masonry for $1,262,000 (LC/LN high schools)
• Update on Blue Ribbon facilities projects and timelines
• Approval of service agreements: Microsoft subscription, BrightBytes suite, AppliTrack renewals
• COVID-19 update from Dr. Harshbarger

March 8, 2021 - Work Session

The Board will hear updates on Blue Ribbon Facilities, tax rates, equity and social justice, and COVID-19, then vote on several action items. Action items include approving a $1,540,000 Common School Loan application for technology and maker spaces, selecting a soft drink vendor, and approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the Lawrence Education Association. Personnel reports for March 8, 2021 will also be voted on.

• Vote on Common School Loan application for $1,540,000 for technology and maker spaces
• Approval of Soft Drink Vendor for the district
• Approval of MOU with Lawrence Education Association
• Approval of Personnel Reports for March 8, 2021
• Information update on Blue Ribbon Facilities projects

February 22, 2021 - Monthly Board Meeting

The board will consider approving bids for Phase II renovation projects at Lawrence Central and Lawrence North high schools, including bleacher, tennis court, natatorium roof replacement, and a new pool. Also discussed: a $1,428,868.95 two-way radio system purchase, permission to advertise for 1:1 device leases, policy updates on virtual education and student enrollment, and a COVID-19 update.

• Approval of bids for Phase II renovations at Lawrence Central and Lawrence North high schools (Action Item).
• Purchase of two-way radio system for $1,428,868.95 from the Transportation Fund.
• Permission to advertise for lease proposals for 1:1 student devices.
• Second reading of NEOLA policies on virtual education (Policy 2370.05) and student eligibility (Policy 5111).
• Blue Ribbon facilities update and Jump Start summer programming update.

Executive Session

The Board of Education is meeting in executive session to discuss job performance evaluations of individual employees, as permitted by state law. No public decisions or votes are expected during this closed-door session.

• Executive session held to discuss job performance evaluations of individual employees

February 8, 2021 - Work Session

This work session includes discussion of facilities updates, bid packages, early literacy, curriculum, budget, tax rate, equity, policy, and COVID-19. The board will vote on approving Cogent Communication and ENA Services as vendors for internet service and fiber connectivity, with a combined 36-month cost of $195,600 before 80% E-rate reimbursement.

• Blue Ribbon Facilities update on new projects and timelines
• ELC bid packages for Amy Beverland and Mary E. Castle
• Permission to bid new bus drive at Amy Beverland
• Network firewall bid evaluation; staff recommends Network Solutions, Inc. at $508,954
• First reading of NEOLA policies on virtual education and student enrollment

Special Meeting - Board Retreat

The Board of Education is holding a special meeting for a board retreat, with the only agenda item being an executive session to train school board members on their role as public officials.

• Executive session under I.C. 5-14-1-1.5-6(b) for training board members with an outside consultant

January 25, 2021 - Monthly Board Meeting

The board will hold a Board of Finance meeting to elect officers and review investment reports, then proceed to the regular meeting to swear in new board member Amy Norman, give recognitions, and receive information updates on facilities projects, furniture bids, internet service contracts, and network cabling installations. No major votes are scheduled; most items are informational or procedural.

• Board of Finance to elect president, secretary, and investment officer; review investment report and fiscal indicators
• Swearing in of new board member Amy Norman
• Update on Blue Ribbon facilities projects and timelines
• Recommendation to award comprehensive furniture procurement to Educational Furniture (information item)
• Internet service and fiber connectivity bids: Cogent ($122,700) and ENA ($72,900) lowest; with 80% E-Rate reimbursement; network cabling bids totaling $589,404 across 19 locations

January 11, 2021 - Work Session/ Re-Organization Meeting

The MSDLT Board of Education will hold a work session and reorganization meeting. They will swear in re-elected board members Wendy Muston and Crystal Puckett, elect officers for the coming year, and appoint financial leadership and committee members. The board will also receive information updates on the Blue Ribbon facilities projects, a $2,043,952.90 security camera and access control system bid from ERS Wireless, an equity and social justice update, and a first reading of 19 NEOLA policy revisions.

• Swearing in of re-elected board members Wendy Muston and Crystal Puckett
• Reorganization: election of board president, vice-president, secretary, and appointments to financial leadership and committees
• Security camera bid update: lowest bid of $2,043,952.90 from ERS Wireless for districtwide upgrade, funded by Blue Ribbon dollars, federal COPS grant, and Common School Fund advance
• Blue Ribbon Facilities update on project timelines
• First reading of 19 NEOLA policy revisions to comply with state and federal law

2021 Approved Board Minutes

This agenda is a compilation of approved minutes for all 2021 Board of Education meetings of the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township, including work sessions, monthly meetings, executive sessions, and special meetings. No new decisions or discussions are scheduled; it is purely a record of past proceedings.

• Approved minutes for Jan 11, 2021 Work Session/Re-organization Meeting
• Approved minutes for Jan 25, 2021 Monthly Board Meeting
• Approved minutes for Feb 22, 2021 Monthly Meeting
• Approved minutes for Mar 22, 2021 Monthly Board Meeting
• Approved minutes for Apr 26, 2021 Monthly Board Meeting