Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township public meetings in 2023
33 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Executive Session
The Board of Education will meet in a closed executive session to discuss the assessment, design, and implementation of school safety and security measures. No public decisions are expected during this session.
- Executive session for discussion of school safety and security measures as permitted under Indiana Code 5-14-1.5-6(b)
Work Session and Monthly Board Meeting
The Board will consider approving plans, specifications, and bid documents for the new LECC, and award mechanical/electrical bids for that project. They will also vote on a year-end fund transfer between Education and Operations funds, and receive information on proposed after care rate increases for the 2024-25 school year. Recognitions include Mayor Steve Collier and award winners.
- Approval of plans, specifications, and bid documents for the new LECC (Lawrence Education and Community Center)
- Approval of winning mechanical and electrical bids for the new LECC
- Resolution to transfer funds between Education and Operations funds at year-end
- Proposed $5 increase per area in before- and after-school care rates for 2024-25 (information only)
- Recognition of Mayor Steve Collier and National Elementary World Language Award winners
Monthly Board Meeting
The Board will hold a public hearing and then vote on an additional appropriation for the Debt Service Fund to cover an underestimated bond payment. They will also vote on a $1.818 million contract for Transportation Renovation Phase II, approval of trail easements for the City of Lawrence, curriculum recommendations, and RFPs for internet services. Information items include updates on Blue Ribbon facilities projects, transportation bids, demographics, and finances.
- Public hearing and vote on additional appropriation for Debt Service Fund (bond payment underestimated by DLGF)
- Approval of $1,818,000 low bid from Powers & Sons for Transportation Renovation Phase II
- Approval of easements at no cost to City of Lawrence for Next Level Trail along Lee Road and East 63rd Street
- Approval of Curriculum Advisory Committee recommendations for 2023-2024
- Approval of RFPs for internet service, fiber to new LECC, and other E-rate projects
Work Session
This is a work session where the MSD of Lawrence Township Board of Education will receive informational updates only, with no votes scheduled. Items include the Blue Ribbon Facilities projects, a request to grant trail easements to the City of Lawrence at no cost, approval of RFPs for mechanical/electrical/plumbing for the new LECC, and 2023 General Obligation Bonds. Several RFPs related to internet service, fiber connections, network switches, and self-provisioned fiber for E-rate funding will also be discussed, along with a curriculum advisory committee update.
- Blue Ribbon Facilities update with project timelines
- City of Lawrence Next Level Trail easements at no cost along Lee Road and East 63rd Street
- RFP for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing for new LECC (Bid Package 1)
- 2023 General Obligation Bonds presentation
- Four RFPs for internet service, fiber to new LECC, network switches, and self-provisioned fiber (E-rate eligible up to 90% reimbursement)
Special Meeting
The board holds a special meeting for a public hearing on the proposed 2023-2024 collective bargaining agreement. An information update on classified and administrative salaries will also be presented. No votes are scheduled besides adjourning the meeting.
- Public hearing on the 2023-2024 collective bargaining agreement
- Presentation of the tentative signed agreement and draft CBA documents
- Update on 2023-2024 classified and administrative salaries (information only)
- Meeting held at 6501 Sunnyside Road at 7:30am
- No action items other than motion to adjourn
Executive Session
The Board of Education will hold an executive session on October 30, 2023, at 6501 Sunnyside Road. The sole purpose is to train board members with an outside consultant about their role as public officials, as permitted by state law. No votes or public decisions are scheduled.
- Executive session to train board members on performance of their role as public officials
Monthly Board Meeting
The board will hold a public hearing on additional appropriations for the 2023 General Obligation Bonds to fund the 2023–2026 Facilities Transformation project, then vote on resolutions to issue the bonds and appropriate the proceeds. The meeting also includes updates on Blue Ribbon facilities projects and the 2023 graduation rate, plus routine approvals of minutes, personnel, claims, service agreements, pay apps, field trips, and donations.
- Public hearing and board action on resolutions for 2023 General Obligation Bonds for the Facilities Transformation project.
- Approval of service agreements including Republic Airways Junior Cadet Program and Marion County Health Dept drug prevention program for grades 7-12.
- Donation of $5,000 from Simon Youth Foundation to Lawrence Advance Academy.
- Approval of pay apps and building projects payments for October 2023.
- Information items on Blue Ribbon facilities projects and 2023 graduation rate.
Work Session
At this work session, the Board will consider action items including permission to bid renovation of the Don Inskeep Transportation Center, a Common School Loan of $1,585,900 for technology, and disposal of a 2007 school bus. They will also receive an update on Blue Ribbon facilities projects. The meeting is at Lawrence Education and Community Center, 6501 Sunnyside Road, at 5:30pm.
- Permission to bid renovation of Don Inskeep Transportation Center (second floor buildout and storage barns)
- Application for Common School Loan up to $1,585,900 for 1:1 device refresh and other technology
- Disposal of Bus #57 (2007 International Conventional School Bus) via police exercise then salvage
- Approval of personnel reports for October 9, 2023
- Blue Ribbon facilities project update (information only)
Executive Session
This is a procedural notice for an executive session. The board will meet to discuss strategy regarding collective bargaining, with no public votes or action items scheduled.
- Executive session for strategy discussion on collective bargaining (I.C. 5-14-1-1.5-6(b))
Monthly Board Meeting
The board will hold a second public hearing and vote on a 1028 Preliminary Determination for the 2023-2026 Facilities Transformation, Long-Term Facilities Improvement and Buses and Equipment Acquisition Project. They will also vote on the 2024 budget. Information items include results of bids for security upgrades, recommending Communication Technologies, Inc. for 21 metal detection equipment at $347,721.60, and an update on Blue Ribbon facilities projects.
- Second public hearing and vote on 1028 Preliminary Determination for 2023-2026 facilities and bus/equipment project
- Approval of the 2024 budget
- Recommendation to approve Communication Technologies, Inc. for 21 metal detection equipment at $347,721.60
- Blue Ribbon facilities update with timelines for current projects
- Recognition of summer reading winners, VEX Robotics award, and IDOE Educational Excellence Awards
Notice of Public Hearing - Commencement of Collective Bargaining.
The Board of Education will hold a public hearing as required by Indiana state law before commencing collective bargaining with the Lawrence Education Association. The hearing includes a statement from administration and the teachers union, followed by public comment.
- Public hearing on commencement of collective bargaining at Lawrence Education and Community Center, 6501 Sunnyside Road
- Public comment period after statements from MSDLT Administration and LEA Teacher Unions
Work Session
The Lawrence Township School Board will hold two public hearings: one on a preliminary determination for the 2023-2026 Facilities Transformation, Long-Term Facilities Improvement, and Buses and Equipment Acquisition Project, and another on the 2024 Budget. The board will also receive updates on Blue Ribbon facilities projects and enrollment windows for the next two school years, and consider approval of personnel reports.
- Public hearing on 1028/Preliminary Determination for 2023-2026 Facilities Transformation, Long-Term Facilities Improvement, and Buses and Equipment Acquisition Project (first of two hearings)
- Public hearing on the 2024 Budget presented by Chief Financial Officer Matt Miles
- Update on Blue Ribbon facilities projects including timelines (presented by Rodger Smith)
- Update on 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 enrollment windows, including early application for Spanish Immersion and CAP (Choice Application Process)
- Action item to approve personnel reports for September 11, 2023
Monthly Board Meeting
The board will receive a second reading of multiple NEOLA policy updates driven by new state laws (HEA 1608, HEA 1447, HEA 1001), covering human sexuality instruction (grades 4-12), student privacy and parental notification, library materials restrictions, and textbook fee changes. They will also be informed of a $997,876 low bid for Lawrence North roof sections 2 and 3 from Danco Roofing, Inc., and receive updates on the Blue Ribbon facilities projects, student achievement (IREAD data), and a financial report.
- Second reading of NEOLA policy updates addressing curriculum, privacy, library materials, and more based on new state laws
- Lawrence North roof bid results: Danco Roofing, Inc. low bid at $997,876 for sections 2 and 3
- Authorization to proceed with 1028/Preliminary Determination Public Hearings for 2023-2026 facilities transformation (Sept. 11 and 25)
- Blue Ribbon Facilities update on current projects and timelines
- Student achievement update including IREAD3 data
Special Meeting - Board Retreat
This special meeting is a board retreat. The board will hold an executive session to discuss strategy and receive training from an outside consultant on the role of school board members as public officials. No other items are on the agenda.
- Executive session for training board members with outside consultant on their role as public officials
Work Session
At this work session, the Board receives information on multiple topics, including an update on the Blue Ribbon facilities projects, results of furniture bids with a recommendation to award to Business Furniture, a request to bid for metal detector security upgrades, fund transfers totaling over $12.8 million, and a first reading of NEOLA policy updates addressing background checks, human sexuality instruction (grades 4-12), student privacy, and library materials. No formal votes are taken; items are presented as information for future action.
- Blue Ribbon facilities project update with timelines
- Recommendation to award furniture procurement to Business Furniture (RFP)
- Request for bid on metal detector security upgrades to improve throughput
- Fund transfers: $2,878,476.61 to Operations, $9,830,431.99 and $172,325.52 from Education Fund
- Permission to advertise the 2024 budget and NEOLA policy first reading (background checks, human sexuality, student privacy, curricular materials, library materials, student activism)
Work Session and Monthly Board Meeting
The July 17 Board of Education meeting will consider a series of action items, including approval to bid on roof sections 2 and 3 at Lawrence North. It will also approve the June 26, 2023 board minutes, July personnel reports, various service agreements, and pay applications for building projects. Information items will provide updates on Blue Ribbon facilities projects, student achievement data, the proposed 2024 budget adoption calendar, and committee reports. The session concludes with administrator comments and adjournment.
- Approve request to bid on Lawrence North Roof Sections 2 and 3
- Approve June 26, 2023 Board meeting minutes
- Approve July 17, 2023 Personnel Reports
- Approve Service Agreements: Communities In Schools MOU, Speech and Language Consultant renewals, IEP Therapy renewal
- Approve Pay Applications and Building Projects Payments for July 17, 2023
Notice of Public Hearing
The Board of Education will hold a public hearing to receive comment on the proposed Superintendent Contract. The hearing takes place at the Lawrence Education and Community Center. No vote is scheduled; this is an opportunity for public input.
- Public hearing on the proposed Superintendent Contract
Monthly Board Meeting
The board will hold a public hearing on the superintendent's contract, allowing public input. They will also receive an update on Blue Ribbon facilities projects and conduct a second reading of 32 NEOLA policy updates covering ethics, nursing mothers, tobacco use, and search and seizure.
- Public hearing on Superintendent's Contract
- Blue Ribbon Facilities update with project timelines
- Second reading of 32 NEOLA policy revisions (e.g., nursing mothers, tobacco prevention, search/seizure for vape pens)
- New policies on nursing mothers (PUMP Act, PWFA)
- Revised policy on bullying and anti-harassment procedures
Executive Session
The Board of Education will meet at 6501 Sunnyside Road on June 21, 2023. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss job performance evaluations of individual employees.
- Discussion of individual employee job performance evaluations
Executive Session
The Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township Board of Education will meet in an executive session on Monday, June 12, 2023 at 6501 Sunnyside Road, Indianapolis, beginning at 4:00 pm. The session is called to discuss job performance evaluations of individual employees, as authorized by Indiana Code 5‑14‑1‑1.5‑6(b). No other agenda items are listed.
- Discuss job performance evaluations of individual employees (per I.C. 5‑14‑1‑1.5‑6(b))
Work Session
The Board of Education will hold a work session to receive information on several topics. They will discuss updates to the Blue Ribbon Facilities projects, proposed changes to the Classified Employee Handbook for 2023-2024, and a first reading of NEOLA policy revisions covering 32 policies, two new policies (Nursing Mothers), and other updates. No votes are scheduled; this is a discussion-only session.
- Blue Ribbon Facilities Update presentation on project timelines
- Classified Employee Handbook revisions including increased unused medical day benefit to $100/day
- First reading of NEOLA policy updates covering 32 revised, 2 new policies, and 8 technical corrections
- Student Achievement Part I data presentation
- Proposed Board of Education meeting dates for 2023-2024 school year
Monthly Board Meeting
The board will receive information on several items, including a proposed land transfer from the Fort Harrison Reuse Authority for a new Lawrence Education and Community Center, a proposed 5-8 academy, and no change to lunch fees for 2023-2024. Results of bids for 1:1 device leases will be tabled pending state guidance. No action items are listed on this agenda.
- Proposed resolution approving transfer of land from Fort Harrison Reuse Authority for new Lawrence Education and Community Center
- Proposed 5-8 Academy and future programs at the Lawrence Education and Community Center
- No change in lunch pricing for 2023-2024 school year (elementary $1.85, middle $1.90, high $2.00)
- Results of bids for 1:1 device leases tabled; JP Morgan bid $26,640.58 at 4.10%
- Blue Ribbon facilities projects update
Work Session
At this work session, the board will receive an update on Blue Ribbon Facilities projects and discuss proposed board goals for the 2023-2024 school year. Action items include approval of the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan and the May 8, 2023 Personnel Report. The meeting is procedural in nature with information and action items.
- Blue Ribbon Facilities Update – presentation on current projects and timelines
- Discussion of proposed 2023-2024 Board Goals
- Approval of the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan
- Approval of the May 8, 2023 Personnel Report
Executive Session
This is a procedural executive session of the Lawrence Township Board of Education, closed to the public. The sole purpose is to discuss job performance evaluations of individual employees, as permitted under Indiana Code. No decisions or public business will occur.
- Executive session to discuss job performance evaluations of individual employees (I.C. 5-14-1-1.5-6(b))
Monthly Board Meeting
The board will vote on multiple curriculum adoptions including math for grades K-12, English language arts for grade 6, and science. They will also consider permission to advertise for lease proposals for 1:1 devices and approve several service agreements. Information items include updates on The Sharing Place, Blue Ribbon facilities projects, and the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan. Routine actions include approval of minutes, personnel reports, claims, and pay apps.
- Approval of math curriculum adoption for grades K-12
- Approval of English language arts curriculum adoption for grade 6
- Approval of science curriculum adoption
- Permission to advertise for lease proposals for 1:1 devices
- Approval of service agreements (Skyward, Kroll, VMware, TaJu, Panorama Education)
Work Session
This work session includes information updates on facilities, curriculum adoptions, and board goals, followed by action items. The board will vote on approving construction bids for the Lawrence Education and Community Center renovation (contract with Powers and Sons for $11,030,471), a resolution for the 2023 protected tax waiver, and a memorandum of understanding for the Brook Park School Improvement Grant.
- Approval of construction bids for Lawrence Education and Community Center renovation (Powers and Sons contract: $11,030,471)
- Approval of resolution for 2023 Protected Tax Waiver
- Approval of proposed MOU between MSDLT and Lawrence Education Association for Brook Park School Improvement Grant
- Curriculum updates: Math Adoption K-12, English Language Arts for grade 6, and Science Adoption (information only)
- Blue Ribbon Facilities Update and 2022-2023 Board Goal Update
Work Session and Monthly Board Meeting
The board will receive updates on Blue Ribbon facilities, high ability programs, curriculum recommendations, summer school, and finances. Action items include approving Core/Garcia as construction manager for the new Lawrence Education and Community Center, awarding a $33.675 million contract to Powers and Sons for Fall Creek Valley Middle School renovation, cancelling outstanding checks, and applying for a $1.575 million Common School Loan for technology.
- Approve Core/Garcia as construction manager for new LECC project
- Approve $33,675,041 contract to Powers and Sons for Fall Creek Valley Middle School renovation
- Apply for $1,575,900 Common School Loan for technology upgrades
- Approve cancellation of outstanding checks older than 2 years
- Receive update on Blue Ribbon facilities projects
Monthly Board Meeting
The board will decide on approving a $38,229,448 contract for Belzer Middle School renovation and a resolution to issue bonds for multiple facilities projects. They will also hear updates on Chromebook purchases, the budget tax rate, and Blue Ribbon facilities work.
- Approval of Belzer Middle School renovation bids with a $38,229,448 GMP contract to Powers and Sons
- Resolution to confirm lease and approve bonds for 2023-2024 middle school renovations, LECC transformation, and new Education Community Center
- Student Chromebook bid results: recommended award to Electronic Strategies Inc. for $1,265,495.70
- Blue Ribbon Facilities update with project timelines
- 2023 budget tax rate update: local tax rate lower than 2022 but levy up due to increased assessed values
Work Session
The MSD of Lawrence Township Board will hold a work session to receive updates on facilities, student outcomes, and board goals. Action items include approving Schmidt Associates as architect for the new LECC project, authorizing the construction manager as constructor method, approving a request for proposals for pizza in school nutrition, and approving a personnel report.
- Blue Ribbon Facilities Update presentation
- Approval of Schmidt Associates as architect for new LECC project
- Resolution authorizing Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc) method for LECC
- Approval of RFP for pizza production and equipment for five schools starting 2023-24
- Approval of February 6, 2023 personnel report
Special Meeting - Board Retreat
The board is holding a special meeting retreat that includes an executive session to train board members with an outside consultant about their role as public officials. No decisions or votes are scheduled; the meeting is informational and procedural.
- Executive session for board member training with an outside consultant on the role of public officials
Monthly Board Meeting
The board will first hold a Board of Finance meeting to elect officers, review investment reports, and discuss fiscal indicators. Following recognitions and information updates, the board will vote on action items including a $1.5 million transfer from the Operations Fund to the Rainy Day Fund, preliminary approval of a bond issuance for a lease, and a one-day loan of $1,860.39 to the Pension Bond Debt Service Fund.
- Election of Board of Finance President, Secretary, and Investment Officer
- Transfer of $1,500,000 from Operations Fund to Rainy Day Fund (action item)
- Preliminary approval of resolution for bond issuance related to a lease (action item)
- One-day loan of $1,860.39 from Debt Service Fund to Pension Bond Debt Service Fund
- Update on Blue Ribbon facilities projects (information item)
Work Session/ Re-Organization Meeting
The board will hold a work session and re-organization meeting, including swearing in two newly elected members and electing officers for the coming year. They will also receive an update on Blue Ribbon Facilities projects and vote on approving a request for proposal (RFP) for an architect for the new LECC facility on Fort Harrison. Additionally, they will consider approval of personnel reports.
- Swearing in of newly elected board members Jessica Dunn and Marta Lawrence
- Election of board officers (President, Vice-President, Secretary) and appointment of financial leadership and committee members
- Update on Blue Ribbon Facilities projects with timelines
- Request for proposal for architect for new LECC facility at Fort Harrison, with timeline to move in by end of 2024
- Approval of personnel reports for January 9, 2023
2023 Approved Board Minutes
This is a compilation of approved minutes for the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township Board of Education meetings held throughout 2023, including work sessions, monthly board meetings, executive sessions, and a public hearing. No new decisions or proposals are being made at this meeting; the document simply archives past actions.
- Approved minutes for regular monthly board meetings from January through December 2023
- Approved minutes for work sessions on Jan 9, Feb 6, Mar 8, Apr 10, May 8, Jun 12, Aug 14, Sep 11, Oct 9, Nov 13, and Dec 11
- Executive session minutes for Feb 3, Apr 24, Jun 12, Jun 21, Aug 15, Sep 25, Oct 30
- Public hearing minutes from Sep 12, 2023
- Special meeting minutes from Nov 6, 2023