Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township public meetings in 2024
30 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
December 16, 2024 Work Session and Monthly Board Meeting
The MSD of Lawrence Township Board will hold a combined work session and monthly meeting. They will receive a Blue Ribbon facilities update, a financial update, and a resolution to transfer funds between Education and Operations funds at year-end. Action items include approving minutes, personnel reports, claims, service agreements, building project payments, and field trips.
- Blue Ribbon facilities update with project timelines
- Resolution to transfer year-end funds between Education and Operations (amount TBD)
- Approval of personnel reports for December 16, 2024
- Approval of claims with multiple attachments
- Approval of service agreements, including tutoring renewal for Ms. Karen Taylor
Executive Session
The Board of Education will meet in executive session on December 11, 2024, at 6501 Sunnyside Road. The closed session is permitted under Indiana law to discuss strategy for purchasing or leasing real property. No public action or votes are scheduled.
- Closed session for discussion of property purchase or lease strategy (I.C. 5-14-1.5-6(b))
November 25, 2024 Monthly Board Meeting
The board will hold the second of two public hearings on issuing general obligation bonds to fund the proposed 2025-2027 Elementary Schools Expansion/Renovation and Energy Conservation Project. Public comment will be heard. The board will also receive updates on Blue Ribbon facilities projects and consider second readings of multiple NEOLA policy revisions covering weapons, student assessment, graduation requirements, and safety.
- Second public hearing on bonds for 2025-2027 Elementary Schools Expansion/Renovation and Energy Conservation Project
- Blue Ribbon facilities projects update with timelines and information
- Second reading of NEOLA policy revisions including weapons on school property, student reading proficiency and retention, graduation FAFSA requirement, and school safety committees
November 11, 2024 Work Session
The Board of Education will review a public hearing regarding proposed bonds for elementary school expansion and energy conservation. Additional information sessions include updates on facilities, enrollment, Craig Academy, and early childhood education.
- Public hearing on proposed General Obligation Bonds or leases for 2025-2027 Elementary Schools Expansion/Renovation and Energy Conservation Project
- Blue Ribbon Facilities Projects update
- Enrollment and Demographic Update
- Curriculum Advisory Committee update
- Early Childhood Education update
Special Meeting
The Board of Education will hold a public hearing on the 2024-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement. The board will also receive informational updates on classified and administrator salaries for the same year.
- Public hearing on the 2024-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement
- 2024-2025 Classified Salary Update presented as information
- 2024-2025 Administrative Salary Update presented as information
Executive Session
The Board of Education will meet in a closed executive session on October 30, 2024, to discuss strategy regarding collective bargaining. No public decisions or votes are scheduled; the meeting is procedural under state law.
- Executive session for discussion of collective bargaining strategy (I.C. 5-14-1-1.5-6(b))
October 14, 2024 Work Session and Monthly Board Meeting
The board will vote on applying for a $1,618,450 Common School Loan to fund technology purchases, including student devices and equipment. It will also decide on disposing of a totaled bus and authorizing advertisements for E-Rate funded network projects. Information items include updates on Blue Ribbon facilities projects and the 2024 graduation rate.
- Vote on application for $1,618,450 Common School Loan for technology purchases
- Approval to dispose of bus #303, totaled in accident, sent to salvage
- Permission to advertise RFPs for E-Rate projects: network connections between multiple schools and data centers, plus switches for high school campuses
- Approval of service agreements including MOU with Marion County Health Department, software renewals, and contractor services
- Approval of personnel reports, board minutes, claims, and building project payments
September 23, 2024 Monthly Board Meeting
The board will vote on the 2025 budget, following a public hearing held on September 9. Other action items include approval of early enrollment windows, service agreements, building project payments, and field trips. The meeting also includes recognitions and informational updates on facilities and assessments.
- Approval of the 2025 Budget (public hearing held Sept. 9)
- Approval of 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 Early Enrollment Windows
- Approval of 17 Service Agreements for tutoring and programs (e.g., Communities IN Schools MOU renewal)
- Approval of Pay Apps and Building Projects Payments (referendum and site improvements)
- Approval of a donation of backpacks filled with school supplies for Forest Glen
September 9, 2024 Work Session
The MSD of Lawrence Township Board of Education holds a work session including a public hearing on the proposed 2025 budget. The board will also receive information on Blue Ribbon facilities projects, IREAD student achievement data, and early enrollment windows for 2024-25 and 2025-26. Action items include approval of personnel reports.
- Public hearing on 2025 budget presented by CFO Matt Miles
- Blue Ribbon facilities projects update from Rodger Smith
- Student achievement update on IREAD data (Part III)
- 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 early enrollment window update
- Approval of personnel reports for September 9, 2024
August 26, 2024 Monthly Board Meeting
The Lawrence Township school board will vote on awarding contracts for elementary oven upgrades ($584,325.96 to Lancaster Schert Equipment), construction managers for Crestview, Forest Glen, and Mary E. Castle projects (Core/Garcia, Davis & Associates, Powers & Sons), and an energy savings contract to Performance Services. They will also receive updates on Blue Ribbon facilities projects and the district's financial status.
- Vote to approve $584,325.96 elementary oven bid to Lancaster Schert Equipment (veteran-owned)
- Vote to approve CMC contractors: Core/Garcia (Forest Glen), Davis & Associates (Crestview), Powers & Sons (Mary E. Castle)
- Vote to approve energy savings contract with Performance Services for HVAC/controls/roofing upgrades
- Update on Blue Ribbon facilities projects timelines and scope
- Financial update for General Fund and Transportation Fund for July 2024
Notice of Public Hearing - Commencement of Collective Bargaining.
The Lawrence Township school board will hold a procedural public hearing on August 14 at 4:30 p.m. at 6501 Sunnyside Road. This meeting is required by Indiana law before the district begins formal contract negotiations with the Lawrence Education Association. Administration and union representatives will speak, followed by public comment. No contracts or policy changes are being voted on at this hearing.
- Public hearing on collective bargaining commencement
- Required by Indiana Code 20-29-6-1(a) before union negotiations
- Location: Lawrence Education and Community Center, 6501 Sunnyside Road
- Public comment period following administration and union statements
August 12, 2024 Work Session
The Board of Education is meeting to decide on the issuance and appropriation of 2024 General Obligation Bonds. Members will also consider the 2025 budget advertising calendar and the Teacher Appreciation Grant policy.
- Resolution for Issuance of 2024 General Obligation Bonds
- Resolution for Additional Appropriation of 2024 General Obligation Bond proceeds and interest
- Proposed 2025 Budget Adoption Calendar with a hearing on September 9, 2024
- Re-adoption of Teacher Appreciation Grant Policy (po3220.01)
- Approval of 2024-2025 Board Goals and Personnel Report
Work Session and Monthly Board Meeting
The Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township Board will receive information on facility projects, student achievement data, and fund transfers. Officials will present the proposed 2025 budget calendar, which sets public hearing and tax levy deadlines. The board will also review proposed lunch fees for the upcoming school year and second-reading policy updates on student device use and attendance. No formal votes are listed in the agenda.
- Proposed 2025 budget calendar: public hearing on Sept. 9 and adoption on Sept. 23.
- Lunch fees for 2024-2025: student meals remain free; adult breakfast set at $2.85 and lunch at $5.00.
- Fund transfers for June 30, 2024: $11,226,749.60 moved from the Education Fund to the Operations Fund.
- NEOLA policy updates on second reading: revised rules for student wireless devices and K-6 truancy prevention.
- Board goals for 2024-2025 and financial updates for the General and Transportation Funds.
July 11, 2024 Executive Session
The Lawrence Township school board will meet in executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy. No public decisions or votes are scheduled. The session is closed to the public per Indiana code.
- Executive session for collective bargaining strategy discussion
Executive Session
The Board of Education will hold an executive session on June 24, 2024, at 5830 N Post Road, Indianapolis, for a board retreat. The sole purpose, under Indiana law, is to train school board members with an outside consultant about their role as public officials. No decisions or public business will be conducted during this closed session.
- Executive session for board retreat and training with an outside consultant
Monthly Board Meeting
The board will hold a public hearing on the possible disposition of property at 5760 Wallingwood Drive. They will discuss policy updates including a new student personal communication device policy (Policy 5136) and a revised attendance policy (Policy 5200) in first reading. Information will be presented on Blue Ribbon facilities projects, RFPs for energy savings and classroom additions, fund transfers, classified employee handbooks, and board goals.
- Public hearing on disposition of property at 5760 Wallingwood Drive
- First reading of NEOLA policy updates: student cell phone ban during instruction (Policy 5136) and K-6 truancy prevention plan (Policy 5200)
- Request for permission to issue RFP for guaranteed energy savings contract for HVAC controls and roof replacements
- Request for permission to issue RFP for construction manager as constructor (CMC) for classroom additions at Crestview, Forest Glen, and Mary E. Castle elementary schools
- Resolution for mid-year transfer of funds between Education and Operations Funds
Work Session
This work session of the MSD of Lawrence Township Board of Education will receive updates on several topics, including a proposed revision to student handbooks that would require personal communication devices (cell phones, smart watches) to be turned off and put away during instruction time. Also on the agenda: an update on Blue Ribbon Facilities projects, disposal of five old vehicles, proposed school calendars for 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, and a strategic plan update. The board is not taking final votes; these are information items.
- Proposed student handbook changes restrict cell phone/smart watch use during instruction time across all grade levels
- Blue Ribbon Facilities update on current project timelines (presented by Rodger Smith)
- Permission to dispose of five outdated vehicles (buses and vans) as scrap via salvage yard
- Proposed school calendars for 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years
- Year-one results of the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan
Work Session and Monthly Meeting
The Lawrence Township school board will meet to discuss and potentially authorize a request for proposals for oven upgrades at all elementary schools, funded by the Food and Nutrition budget. They will also receive updates on Blue Ribbon facilities projects and the Equitable Student Outcomes Plan. The board will conduct a first reading of a large package of NEOLA policy updates covering meeting procedures, staff threats, bullying, and extracurricular training. The meeting begins with recognition of elementary science fair winners.
- Permission to advertise RFP for oven upgrades at all elementary schools, funded by Food and Nutrition budget
- Update on Blue Ribbon Facilities projects with timelines
- First reading of NEOLA policy package including new Policy 0164 on meeting notices, Policy 1422.01 on drug-free workplace for administrators, and revisions on sudden cardiac arrest training for coaches and extracurricular leaders
- Update on Equitable Student Outcomes Plan from Mr. Troy Knoderer
- Recognition of elementary district science fair winners (1st place Vivian Popcheff, Amy Beverland)
Executive Session
The Board of Education will hold an executive session on May 10, 2024, at 6501 Sunnyside Road, Indianapolis. The closed session is authorized under Indiana Code to discuss job performance evaluations of individual employees. No other business is scheduled.
- Discussion of job performance evaluations of individual employees (I.C. 5-14-1-1.5-6(b))
Monthly Board Meeting
The MSD Lawrence Township Board will vote on several curriculum adoptions, including social studies for grades 7-12, ENL/dual language/world language K-12, and performing arts. They will also consider a dual language expansion and receive an update on Blue Ribbon facilities projects. Routine approvals include cancellation of outstanding checks, personnel reports, claims, service agreements, and pay applications for building projects.
- Approval of Social Studies Adoption for grades 7-12
- Approval of ENL, Dual Language and World Language Adoption for K-12
- Approval of Dual Language Expansion
- Blue Ribbon Update on facilities projects with timelines
- Approval of service agreements for ContentKeeper, Skyward, and Veeam software renewals
Work Session
The Board of Education will review several information items including facility updates, curriculum recommendations, and a dual language expansion. The session also includes an action item to approve Electronic Strategies, Inc. for virtual desktop infrastructure at MCIT.
- Approval of Electronic Strategies, Inc. (ESI) for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure
- Blue Ribbon Facilities Projects update
- Social Studies Adoption for Grades 7-12 update
- ENL, Dual Language and World Language Adoption update
- Performing Arts Adoption update
Work Session and Monthly Board Meeting
The Lawrence Township school board will hold a combined work session and monthly meeting to discuss and vote on several facilities and technology items. Action items include approving mechanical bids for the new LECC building, selecting Powers & Sons as the construction manager for Phase II, and authorizing a request for proposals for a virtual desktop infrastructure system. Informational updates will cover Blue Ribbon facilities projects, a potential Common School Loan application for up to $1,593,663, and the 2024-2025 meeting calendar.
- Approval of mechanical bids for LECC project: Patton Plumbing for plumbing, Comfort Systems/Dilling Group for HVAC.
- Approval of Powers & Sons as Construction Manager at Risk for Phase II of the LECC project.
- Request for RFP for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure to replace 600+ computers costing $1,000-$1,200 each.
- Blue Ribbon Phase II facilities plan and update on current projects.
- Discussion of Common School Loan application for $1,593,663 for Chromebooks and classroom technology.
Executive Session
The Board of Education will hold a closed executive session to discuss strategy regarding the purchase or lease of real property. No public votes or decisions are expected. The meeting is at 5830 N. Post Road on March 8, 2024.
- Discussion of strategy for purchase or lease of real property
Monthly Board Meeting
The Board is reviewing bid results for the new Lawrence Education and Community Center (LECC) and student device replacements. The meeting includes updates on Blue Ribbon Facilities projects and internet service provider contracts.
- Proposed $19,311,865 GMP contract for new LECC Phase II to Core/Garcia
- Proposed $1,025,940 purchase of 3,000 non-touch Chromebooks from Virtucom
- Proposed $439,131 purchase of 1,100 touch Chromebooks from Electronic Strategies
- Proposed $393,000 agreement with Zayo for fiber connection at 5720 Wheeler Road
- Proposed monthly internet agreement with Cogent at $2,302.50
Work Session
The Board of Education is meeting to discuss a $1 million additional appropriation from the Rainy Day Fund to purchase property at 5760 Wallingwood Drive. The board will also receive updates on facilities projects, summer school, and mid-year goals.
- Proposed $1 million additional appropriation from the Rainy Day Fund for the acquisition of 5760 Wallingwood Drive
- Public hearing regarding additional appropriations
- Blue Ribbon Facilities Projects update
- JumpStart and Summer School 2024 opportunities update
- Approval of the February 12, 2024 Personnel Report
Special Meeting - Board of Finance
The Lawrence Township Board of Finance will hold its annual meeting to elect a President and Secretary, then appoint an Investment Officer. The board will also receive and review the investment report and overall investment policy as required by state law.
- Election of President and Secretary for the Board of Finance
- Appointment of an Investment Officer
- Receipt and review of the district's investment report and policy
Executive Session
The Board of Education of the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township will hold an executive session on January 22, 2024. The closed-door meeting is permitted under Indiana law for discussing strategy related to purchasing or leasing real property. No public decisions or votes will take place during this session.
- Executive session notice for strategy discussion on real property purchase or lease
Monthly Board Meeting
The board will vote on acquiring the Stewart property at 5760 Wallingwood Drive and on publishing notice of a public hearing to appropriate Rainy Day Fund money for the purchase (no tax increase). They will also decide on authorizing an RFP for a construction manager for LECC Phase II renovations and on increasing after-care rates for 2024-2025. Information items include updates on Blue Ribbon facilities projects, the strategic plan, and fund transfers.
- Resolution to acquire property at 5760 Wallingwood Drive (Stewart property)
- Request to publish hearing notice for additional appropriation from Rainy Day Fund (no tax increase)
- Authorize RFP for Construction Manager Construct for LECC (Craig Academy) Phase II
- Approve increased after-care rates for 2024-2025 school year
- Transfer of $3,138,725 to Sick Day Buyout Fund (discussed as information)
Work Session/ Re-Organization Meeting
The Lawrence Township school board will hold a public hearing and vote on additional appropriations for the 2023-2026 Facilities Transformation, Long-Term Facilities Improvement and Buses and Equipment Acquisition Project. They will also reorganize by electing officers for the coming year and consider approving an RFP for student devices and personnel reports.
- Public hearing and action on additional appropriations for 2023-2026 facilities and buses project
- Board re-organization: election of President, VP, Secretary, and appointments to committees
- Approval of request for RFP for student devices for grades 6 and 9, funded via Common School Loan
- Approval of personnel reports for January 8, 2024
- Information update on Blue Ribbon Facilities projects
2024 Approved Board Minutes
This document compiles the approved minutes of the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township Board of Education meetings held throughout 2024. It includes work sessions, monthly board meetings, executive sessions, and public hearings. No new decisions or proposals are being made at this meeting; it is a record of past actions.
- January 8 work session and reorganization meeting minutes
- January 22 executive session and monthly board meeting minutes
- March 18 combined work and monthly board meeting
- September 9 work session and public hearing
- November 4 public hearing and special meeting