Unified School District 497 public meetings in 2021

Notice of Special Meeting

The Lawrence school board is holding a special meeting with a work session on budget updates, including proposals from nine subcommittees to address an estimated $3.2M–$3.85M funding loss from declining enrollment. No decisions will be made; the board will also recess into executive session for negotiations. The meeting was called by Board President Erica Hill.

• Work session on budget updates with projected $3.2M–$3.85M funding loss for 2022-2023 due to enrollment decline
• Nine BPEC Sub-Committees compiled budget reduction proposals for board discussion
• Executive session for employer-employee negotiations under KOMA exception
• No action or decisions taken at the work session

The board held a special meeting consisting of a budget update work session and an executive session regarding employer-employee negotiations. No substantive actions were taken following the executive session.

• Approved the meeting agenda
• Recessed to executive session for contract negotiations
• Adjourned the meeting

Board Business Meeting

The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education will hold a business meeting to act on a consent agenda that includes a $115,973.28 purchase of 150 band uniforms for Lawrence High School from Fruhauf Uniforms, Inc. The board will also approve routine items such as meeting minutes, a personnel report, monthly vouchers, and financial reports. A special recognition will honor Olivia Henning as Northeast District Kansas Music Educators Association Outstanding Young Choir Teacher of the Year.

• Purchase of 150 band uniforms for Lawrence High School from Fruhauf Uniforms, Inc. for $115,973.28, funded by previously approved Capital Improvement Plan allocation of $125,000.
• Approval of consent agenda including meeting minutes from Nov 29, 2021, personnel report, monthly vouchers for 11/27/2021–12/08/2021, and financial reports through Oct 31, 2021.
• Special recognition for Olivia Henning, Lawrence Free State High School Associate Director of Choral Activities, as Northeast District KMEA Outstanding Young Choir Teacher of the Year.

Board Report(s) Meeting

The board will hear an update on unaudited enrollment from September 20, 2021, and its impacts on funding for 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, along with a Budget Program and Evaluation Committee update. The meeting also includes a consent agenda with routine approvals, such as the purchase of computers for Lawrence Virtual School for $713,540 and PowerSchool software renewals for $84,414.93.

• Work session on enrollment and budget impacts for 2021-2022 and 2022-2023
• Approval of PowerSchool BusinessPlus and UT Candidate Assessment Teacher renewals totaling $84,414.93
• Purchase of computers and cases for Lawrence Virtual School students and staff for $713,540 ($582,600 reimbursed by ECF funds)
• Approval of monthly vouchers for disbursements from 11/04/2021 to 11/26/2021
• Personnel report and special recognition for Northeast District KMEA Outstanding High School Music Educator Mariah Barnett

The Board held a work session regarding a $1,748,397 deficit for the current school year and an estimated $2-$3.3 million shortfall for 2022-2023. The board approved the meeting agenda, the consent agenda, and the personnel report. No final budget cuts were decided, as subcommittees are developing proposals due December 13.

• Approved amended meeting agenda (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda, excluding item 3.9 (6-0)
• Approved meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved personnel report (6-0)

Notice of Special Meeting

This is a special virtual meeting of the Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education called to vote on one item: rescheduling the November 22, 2021 board meeting to November 29, 2021 due to fall break and prior calendar changes. No public comment is included.

• Vote to move the Nov 22, 2021 board meeting to Nov 29, 2021

The Board of Education met for a special session to adjust its meeting calendar. The board voted to move the November 22, 2021 meeting to November 29, 2021.

• Approved the meeting agenda (5-0)
• Moved the November 22, 2021 board meeting to November 29, 2021 (5-0)

Notice of Special Meeting

The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education held a special virtual meeting on November 12, 2021, to vote on a calendar change. The board approved extending the 2021-2022 fall break to include Monday, November 22 and Tuesday, November 23 by a 5-2 vote. Administration cited sufficient instructional time and support for staff well-being during the pandemic. Public comment was not part of this special meeting.

• Approved extension of fall break to Nov 22-23, 2021 (5-2 vote)
• Meeting held virtually without public comment
• Procedural items: call to order, agenda approval, adjournment

The board approved a revision to the 2021-2022 school calendar to extend the fall break. The meeting also included the approval of the agenda and adjournment.

• Approved agenda for November 12, 2021 special board meeting
• Approved revision to 2021-2022 school calendar to extend fall break to include November 22 and 23, 2021 (5-2)

Board Business Meeting

The board approved routine consent items, including a use-of-space agreement for the Early Childhood Community Center at Kennedy Elementary and a contract with Norton & Schmidt Consulting Engineers for up to $1 million in small project engineering services using ESSER II funds. The meeting also featured special recognitions for student improvement at Pinckney and Quail Run Elementary Schools, a superintendent's report, and public comment.

• Agreement with Norton & Schmidt Consulting Engineers for engineering services on projects with construction cost $1,000,000 or less, funded by ESSER II Capital Outlay Funds
• Use of Space Agreement for Early Childhood Community Center at Kennedy Elementary School at $6.46 per square foot per space
• Monthly vouchers approved for district disbursements from 10/21/2021 to 11/03/2021
• Personnel report accepted
• Meeting minutes from October 25, 2021 approved

The Board of Education approved the district's ESSER III grant application and an agreement for small project engineering services. The board also approved a use of space agreement for the Early Childhood Community Center at Kennedy Elementary School.

• Approved ESSER III American Rescue Aid grant application (6-0)
• Approved agreement with Norton & Schmidt Consulting Engineers, LLC for projects $1M or less using ESSER II funds (6-0)
• Approved Use of Space Agreement for Early Childhood Community Center at Kennedy Elementary at $6.46 per square foot (6-0)
• Approved personnel report (6-0)
• Approved district and school disbursements for 10/21/2021 through 11/03/2021 (6-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (6-0)

Board Report(s) Meeting

The Lawrence school board held a report meeting and unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included contracts for special education nursing services (BrightStar, not to exceed $80,000) and occupational therapy (Therapy Travelers, not to exceed $40,000), plus a five-year boiler preventive maintenance agreement with P1 Group Inc. for $27,540. Routine items such as minutes, personnel report, and monthly vouchers were also approved.

• Approved BrightStar Contracted Services for one-to-one nursing, not to exceed $80,000 for 2021-2022
• Approved Therapy Travelers Contracted Services for occupational therapy, not to exceed $40,000
• Approved P1 Group Inc. annual boiler preventive maintenance service at $27,540, with emergency rates and five-year renewable term
• Approved monthly vouchers (disbursements) for Oct 7–20, 2021

The Board of Education approved a series of service contracts for therapy, boiler maintenance, and personnel. The board also ratified a tentative agreement with PAL-CWA and approved the sale of Lawrence High School basketball court floor pieces for a fundraiser.

• Approved contract with BrightStar Contracted Services not to exceed $80,000 (7-0)
• Approved contract with Therapy Travelers’ Contracted Services not to exceed $40,000 (7-0)
• Approved $27,540 agreement with P1 Group, Inc for Annual Boiler Preventative Maintenance (7-0)
• Ratified tentative agreement with PAL-CWA (7-0)
• Approved disposal and sale of LHS basketball court floor for fundraiser (7-0)
• Approved amendments to board policy effective October 25, 2021 (7-0)
• Waived conflict of interest with Stevens and Brand for Sound Speech Therapy, LLC contract (7-0)
• Approved monthly vouchers for period 10/07/2021 through 10/20/2021 (7-0)

Notice of Special Meeting

The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education is holding a special meeting for a Board Advance with Superintendent Dr. Anthony Lewis. The meeting is a training and facilitation session with no votes or decisions scheduled. Items include a facilitated retreat and adjournment.

• Board Advance – facilitated training by KASB, Attorney General’s Office, and Kansas Leadership Center
• Adjournment – procedural close of meeting

The meeting record contains only procedural items. No substantive actions, votes, or policy decisions were recorded.

Board Business Meeting

The Lawrence school board will hold a business meeting on Oct 11, 2021. The main action is voting on consent agenda items, including a $55,800 collaboration with Equal Opportunity Schools to expand AP course access for underrepresented students. Other business includes device repairs and a tree donation.

• Approval of $55,800 Equal Opportunity Schools collaboration agreement for AP equity services
• Encumbrance of up to $30,000 with Synetic Technologies for device repairs
• Acceptance of $1,246.59 tree donation for Cordley Elementary playground
• Approval of monthly vouchers for district disbursements Sept 23–Oct 6, 2021
• Personnel report and meeting minutes approval

The Board of Education approved several consent agenda items, including facility repairs and a collaboration agreement with Equal Opportunity Schools. The board also authorized funds for device repairs and accepted a tree donation for Cordley Elementary.

• Approved $347,070.69 for exterior wall repairs at Liberty Memorial Central Middle School (6-0)
• Approved $55,800 collaboration agreement with Equal Opportunity Schools (6-0)
• Approved up to $30,000 for staff and student device repairs with Synetic Technologies, Inc. (6-0)
• Approved $1,246.59 tree donation for Cordley Elementary playground (6-0)
• Approved modifications to BCBK-Executive Session of the Board Policy Manual (6-0)
• Approved personnel report and monthly vouchers (6-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (6-0)

Board Report(s) Meeting

The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education held a board report meeting on September 27, 2021. They voted to enter executive session to discuss security measures under KOMA, and later approved a consent agenda that included a $35,880 purchase of Open Eye video surveillance software, a $1,000 tree donation, policy revisions, and monthly vouchers.

• Executive session to discuss safety measures for district security under KOMA (motion passed unanimously).
• Purchase of additional Open Eye Video Surveillance Management Software from ADS for $35,880 ($2,880 additional on top of $33,000 renewal).
• Acceptance of a $1,000 tree donation from Lawrence Schools Foundation for Kennedy Early Childhood Center playground.
• Review of policy modifications to BCBK (Executive Session) and deletion of duplicate emergency drill policies (EEBC Amended, EBBD Deleted).
• Approval of monthly vouchers for disbursements from 09/09/2021 to 09/22/2021.

The Board of Education approved a temporary reduction in graduation requirements for 2022 seniors. Other actions included approving a speech language clinic contract, security software purchases, and a salary pool increase for administrators.

• Approved reducing graduation requirements from 23 to 21 for 2022 seniors (6-0)
• Approved $2,880 for Open Eye Video Surveillance Management Software (6-0)
• Approved service contract with Schiefelbusch Speech Language Hearing Clinic not to exceed $24,000 (6-0)
• Approved $16,244 increase to administration employee group salary pool (6-0)
• Approved acceptance of tree donation valued at $1,000 for Kennedy Early Childhood Center (6-0)
• Approved recognizing Unified Bowling as a new KSHSAA sport (6-0)
• Approved personnel report and monthly vouchers for 09/09/2021 through 09/22/2021 (6-0)
• Approved review of recommended changes to BCBK-Executive Session policy for Oct 11 meeting (6-0)

Board Business Meeting

The board held public hearings on the revenue neutral rate and the 2021-22 budget before opening the regular meeting. The consent agenda included renewing 120 Odysseyware licenses for $72,000 and a supplemental healthcare contract not to exceed $300,000 for the 2021-2022 school year. Item 3.2 (disposal of LHS basketball court floor as a fundraiser) was removed from the consent agenda for a separate vote.

• Revenue neutral rate budget hearing opened and closed
• 2021-22 budget hearing opened and closed
• Renewal of 120 Odysseyware licenses for $72,000 from South Central Kansas Education Service Center
• Supplemental healthcare contract with Supplemental Health Care not to exceed $300,000
• LHS basketball court floor disposal as fundraiser removed from consent agenda for separate vote

The Board of Education approved several contracted services for students with disabilities and the renewal of Odysseyware licenses. They also authorized payment for sidewalk and pavement work at Pinckney Elementary School. Two budget hearings were opened and closed procedurally.

• Approved 120 Odysseyware licenses for $72,000
• Approved Supplemental Health Care service contract not to exceed $300,000
• Approved Lakemary Center contract for student with disability not to exceed $57,000
• Approved Cornerstones of Care contract for student with disability not to exceed $45,000
• Approved Lakemary Center contract for student with disability not to exceed $94,000
• Approved $20,293.20 payment to Sunflower Paving, Inc. for Pinckney Elementary
• Approved personnel report and monthly vouchers
• Tabled board policy amendments for review on September 27, 2021

Board Report(s) Meeting

The Lawrence school board approved the consent agenda including two purchases for elementary instructional materials totaling $65,811.53, recognized winners of the Juneteenth 'Good Trouble' Essay Contest, and heard reports from the superintendent and board president. One consent item (item 2.6, Permaculture Garden) was moved to new business for separate discussion.

• Approved purchase of 1,119 Math Expressions Student Activity Books for $39,407.26
• Approved purchase of 2,146 Handwriting Without Tears booklets and digital access for $26,404.27
• Recognized Lawrence Juneteenth 'Good Trouble' Essay Contest winners
• Approved monthly vouchers for August 5-18, 2021
• Item 2.6 (Permaculture Garden) removed from consent agenda for separate discussion

Board Business Meeting

The Lawrence Board of Education approved consent agenda items including a $81,500 purchase of FastBridge Assessment System from Illuminate Education for universal screening, a $125,000 postage contract renewal with Lineage, and a $41,172 facility rental at Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center. The meeting also included routine approval of minutes, personnel report, vouchers, and financial reports.

• Purchase of 1-year FastBridge Assessment System subscription for $81,500 from Illuminate Education
• Renewal of 5-year mail services contract with Lineage for 2021-2022, not to exceed $125,000
• Approval of $41,172 annual facility rent at Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center for auto shop and adult education
• Approval of monthly vouchers and financial reports for period ending June 30, 2021

The Board of Education approved a maximum spending authority of $201,473,338 for the 2021-2022 budget and a proposed estimated tax rate of 52.880 mills. The board also approved a student handbook framework and various vendor contracts via a consent agenda.

• Approved 2021-2022 budget for publication of $201,473,338
• Approved proposed estimated tax rate of 52.880 mills
• Approved Student Handbook Framework for 2021-2022
• Approved $125,000 contract with Lineage for postage services
• Approved $41,172 annual payment to Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center for facility use
• Approved $81,500 purchase of FastBridge Assessment System from Illuminate Education
• Approved up to $125,000 for furniture from Precision Craft
• Approved up to $200,000 for furniture from multiple AEPA awarded vendors

Notice of Special Meeting

The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education held a special virtual meeting solely for an executive session to discuss negotiations, as permitted under Kansas law. The board approved the agenda, recessed at 3:00 pm, and returned to open session at 3:35 pm with no action taken.

• Board recessed to executive session for employer-employee negotiations under KOMA
• Executive session included Dr. Anthony Lewis and six other district staff
• Meeting returned to open session at 3:35 pm with no subsequent action
• Meeting was called by Board President Erica Hill for negotiations only

The board approved the meeting agenda and entered an executive session to discuss employer-employee contract negotiations. No substantive actions were taken following the executive session.

• Approved the August 5, 2021 special board meeting agenda
• Approved recess to executive session for contract negotiations
• Adjourned the meeting

Board Report(s) Meeting

The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education held a board report meeting on July 26, 2021, approving a consent agenda that included personnel report, monthly vouchers, and three software contract renewals. The board also recognized LMH Leadership Academy students and heard a superintendent's report on summer learning.

• Approval of Xello college and career readiness platform renewal for $20,232
• Approval of Reading A to Z license renewal for $65,612.55
• Approval of ClassLink annual renewal for $35,495
• Approval of monthly vouchers for period 07/13/2021–07/21/2021
• Approval of personnel report as attached

The Board of Education approved a consent agenda containing numerous contract renewals for educational software and technology services. The board also authorized the purchase of district-wide custodial equipment and approved the personnel report.

• Approved $48,145 purchase of district-wide custodial equipment from Pur-O-Zone
• Approved $90,648 Cisco Flex Maintenance renewal
• Approved $88,834.50 Mosyle Manager renewal
• Approved $65,612.55 renewal of 410 Reading A to Z licenses
• Approved $35,495 ClassLink site licenses and Analytics Plus renewal
• Approved $29,800 Fortinet firewall support renewal
• Approved $24,777.50 renewal of 5,300 SeeSaw licenses
• Approved $20,232 purchase of Xello platform

Organizational/Regular Board Meeting

This organizational/regular meeting included the election of Erica Hill as board president and Shannon Kimball as vice president. The board also voted in executive session to uphold the nonrenewal of a certified staff member based on a hearing officer's recommendation. Routine consent agenda items were approved, including personnel reports, monthly vouchers, and disposal of outdated Title instructional materials.

• Election of Erica Hill as board president and Shannon Kimball as vice president
• Board upheld nonrenewal of a certified staff member after executive session
• Approved summary of district and school disbursements for 06/29/2021 – 07/12/2021
• Approved disposal of outdated Title instructional materials due to relevance and cultural sensitivity
• Accepted personnel report and meeting minutes

The Board of Education elected a new president and vice president and approved the consent agenda. The board also voted to uphold the nonrenewal of a certified staff member following an executive session.

• Elected Erica Hill as Board President (7-0)
• Elected Shannon Kimball as Board Vice President (7-0)
• Upheld nonrenewal of a certified staff member (7-0)
• Approved the July 12, 2021 agenda (7-0)
• Adopted the Consent Agenda (7-0)
• Accepted meeting minutes (7-0)
• Accepted the personnel report (7-0)
• Approved district and school disbursements for 06/29/2021 through 07/12/2021 (7-0)

Regular Board Meeting

The board will hold a work session to review the district's strategic plan progress and draft building improvement goals for the 2021-22 school year. During the regular meeting, they will recognize outgoing board president Kelly Jones and community partners, then vote on a consent agenda including a personnel report, monthly vouchers, financial reports, and amendments to board policies on donations, complaints, and facility naming.

• Recognition of outgoing board president Kelly Jones and Outstanding Citizen Awards to community partners for children's meals
• Approval of personnel report for June 28, 2021
• Approval of monthly vouchers for disbursements June 15-28, 2021
• Approval of financial reports for period ending May 31, 2021
• Adoption of amendments to board policies KH (Donations to Schools), KN (General Complaints), KO (Naming of Facilities), LDA (Relationship with City of Lawrence), LDB (Relationship with County Governments), and DFK (Donations and Bequests to District)

The board approved the meeting agenda including an updated personnel report. The session primarily consisted of a work session on the district's strategic plan and reports from the superintendent and board president.

• Approved amended agenda including updated personnel report (5-0)

Regular Board Meeting

The Lawrence Board of Education amended and approved the agenda, then moved through its consent agenda items, including routine approvals of minutes, personnel report, monthly vouchers, and financial reports. The board approved the renewal of the Frontline Professional Learning Management system for the 2021‑2022 school year at a cost of $25,386.26. It also approved the Liberty Memorial Central Middle School parking‑lot project, accepting a $10,500 donation from the Durham Family and authorizing engineering work, with construction costs to be approved after bids. An executive session was held to discuss non‑elected personnel matters.

• Amended agenda to include updated personnel report
• Renewal of Frontline Professional Learning Management system for $25,386.26
• Parking lot project at Liberty Memorial Central Middle School with $10,500 donation for engineering and permitting
• Approval of monthly vouchers covering disbursements from 05/25/2021 to 06/14/2021
• Acceptance of budget‑to‑actual financial reports for the period ending April 30, 2021

The Board of Education approved a series of consent agenda items including personnel reports, financial disbursements, and curriculum resources. The board also authorized a parking lot modification project at Liberty Memorial Central Middle School.

• Approved amended agenda (6-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda items 2.2 through 2.9 (7-0)
• Approved personnel report (7-0)
• Approved district and school disbursements for 05/25/2021 through 06/14/2021 (7-0)
• Accepted financial reports for period ending April 30, 2021 (7-0)
• Approved $25,386.26 renewal of Frontline Professional Learning Management (7-0)
• Approved Liberty Memorial Central Middle School pick-up area modifications and $10,500 for engineering/permitting (7-0)
• Approved $37,690.07 purchase of Precalculus resources from SAVVAS Learning (7-0)

Regular Board Meeting

The Lawrence USD 497 Board will adopt the meeting agenda and approve routine consent‑agenda items such as minutes and the personnel report. It will also authorize several purchases, including an $87,510 increase to the Lawrence Virtual School purchase order with Fuel Education, a $41,151.88 acquisition of musical instruments and accessories, and a $211,303.14 district‑funded wireless infrastructure project. Additionally, the board will approve the monthly vouchers summary of disbursements for the period 05/11/2021‑05/24/2021.

• Increase Lawrence Virtual School purchase order with Fuel Education by $87,510 (to a maximum of $725,000)
• Purchase musical instruments and accessories from multiple vendors totaling $41,151.88
• Approve purchase of FY20 and FY21 E‑Rate wireless infrastructure and software costing $211,303.14 after discount
• Approve monthly vouchers summary of district and school disbursements for 05/11/2021‑05/24/2021
• Adopt consent agenda items including meeting minutes and personnel report

The Board of Education approved a consent agenda including several capital outlay projects and personnel changes. Key approvals included wireless infrastructure upgrades and the appointment of a new Lawrence High School principal.

• Approved purchase of wireless infrastructure and software for $211,303.14 (7-0)
• Approved $87,510 increase to Fuel Education purchase order for virtual education costs (7-0)
• Approved $41,151.88 for musical instruments and accessories (7-0)
• Approved $31,797.50 for district-wide fire alarm testing and inspections (7-0)
• Approved $22,057.45 for carpet installation at two middle schools and the Educational Support Center (7-0)
• Approved personnel report including Jessica Bassett as Lawrence High School principal and Dr. Cynthia Johnson as executive director of inclusion, engagement, and belonging (7-0)
• Approved monthly vouchers for district and school disbursements from 05/11/2021 through 05/24/2021 (7-0)
• Approved corrected payment schedule for band and orchestra maintenance contracts (7-0)

Regular Board Meeting

The board approved a consent agenda that includes a one-year software management agreement with Dude Solutions for facilities and operations at a cost of $31,553.77. It also adopted amendments to board policies on material distribution in schools and tobacco use by visitors. The board recognized student honors from Lawrence High, Free State High, and West Middle School, and recessed into executive session for personnel matters.

• One-year software agreement with Dude Solutions for $31,553.77 for facilities scheduling and maintenance work orders
• Adopted amendments to Policy KI (Material Distribution in Schools) and Policy KMA (Tobacco Use by Visitors)
• Student recognitions: Lawrence High School honors, Free State High School honors, West Middle School National Future City Award
• Recessed to executive session to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel
• Approved monthly vouchers and personnel report as part of consent agenda

The Board of Education approved a consent agenda containing multiple administrative actions, including software agreements and membership renewals. The board also recognized various student honors and held an executive session regarding personnel matters.

• Approved $31,553.77 software agreement with Dude Solutions (6-0)
• Approved $16,368.62 KASB annual membership and season pass (6-0)
• Approved $2,300 KASB Legal Assistance Fund renewal (6-0)
• Approved $29,580 audit proposal from Berberich Trahan & Co. (6-0)
• Approved recommended amendments to Board Policy (6-0)
• Approved personnel report and meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved district and school disbursements for 04/27/2021 through 05/10/2021 (6-0)

Regular Board Meeting

The board will hold a work session on the 2020-2021 budget status and the 2021-2022 budget proposal, including the CARES Act ESSER II federal grant application. During the regular meeting, the board will consider a consent agenda with routine items such as minutes, personnel, vouchers, and financial reports. Notable consent items include renewal of PowerSchool software for $41,901.92 and a $172,200 contract with Dormakaba to replace doors and hardware at Free State High School. The board also planned an executive session to discuss potential litigation.

• Budget work session on 2021-2022 budget and CARES Act ESSER II grant
• Approval of PowerSchool Performance Matters renewal ($41,901.92)
• Dormakaba door and hardware replacement at Free State High School ($172,200)
• Executive session for potential litigation under KOMA
• Financial reports for period ending March 31, 2021

The board held a work session to address a current budget shortfall caused by declining student enrollment and unexpected utility and insurance costs. They discussed a preliminary list of $803,224 in staffing and program reductions for the 2021-22 budget and an application for $6 million in ESSER II federal funds.

• Approved the meeting agenda (6-0)
• Approved recess to executive session to discuss potential litigation (6-0)

Regular Board Meeting

The board will hold a 5:00 pm work session to discuss a budget update for 2021-2022, including an estimated $1.2 million decrease in funding. The administration will present a proposal for an Early Childhood Community Center at Kennedy Elementary, with related boundary changes for Kennedy K-5 students to Cordley, New York, and Prairie Park, projecting a savings of $722,214. The regular 6:00 pm meeting will consider a consent agenda including routine items such as iPad case purchases ($36,000), settlement negotiations for a workers' compensation case (up to $30,000), and IDEA Part B assurances.

• Budget update with estimated $1.2 million funding decrease for 2021-2022
• Proposal for Early Childhood Community Center at Kennedy with boundary changes and $722,214 projected savings
• Purchase of 2,500 iPad cases and screen covers for $36,000 from KCAV
• Authorization to enter workers' compensation settlement negotiations up to $30,000
• Approval of IDEA Part B Assurances for submission to KSDE

The Board of Education voted to maintain the mask requirement for all district properties following a parent's request for a hearing. The board also approved several equipment purchases and administrative updates via a consent agenda.

• Upheld district mask mandate on all school properties (6-0)
• Approved $36,000 purchase of iPad cases and screen covers (6-0)
• Approved $24,525.02 purchase of 13 AutoCAD computers (6-0)
• Authorized settlement negotiations for workers compensation case up to $30,000 (6-0)
• Adopted SB 40 Emergency Rules of Procedure for COVID-19 disaster health emergency hearings (6-0)
• Approved IDEA Part B Assurances for KSDE (6-0)
• Adopted restatement of district's IRC Section 403(b) Plan (6-0)
• Approved personnel report and monthly vouchers (6-0)

Notice of Special Meeting

The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education held a special meeting and approved three actions: hiring Kristen Ryan as Director of Elementary Education, changing the district's health insurance carrier from Aetna to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas effective September 1, 2021, and recessing into executive session to discuss personnel matters.

• Approved hiring Kristen Ryan as Director of Elementary Education effective July 1, 2021
• Adopted Fringe Committee recommendation to switch health insurance carrier from Aetna to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas effective September 1, 2021
• New single monthly health insurance premium set at $533.36, with total premium including dental and vision at $554.56
• Board recessed to executive session for personnel matters involving non-elected personnel

Regular Board Meeting

The board approved consent agenda items including a $40,000 contract with KC Behavioral Health for an out-of-district special education placement, a $20,778 agreement with Kansas City Audio-Visual for classroom displays, and monthly financial reports. The board also recessed to executive session for employer-employee contract negotiations and recognized National Merit Scholars and a yearbook award.

• Approved contract with KC Behavioral Health for special education services not to exceed $40,000
• Approved $20,778 agreement with Kansas City Audio-Visual for LED displays and projectors at Free State High and Liberty Memorial Central Middle Schools
• Approved monthly vouchers and financial reports including ESSER Cares Act update
• Recessed to executive session to discuss contract negotiations with Dr. Anthony Lewis and others
• Recognized Free State and Lawrence High School National Merit Scholars and Lawrence High yearbook as National Pacemaker Finalist

The Board of Education approved the meeting agenda, the personnel report, and monthly vouchers. The board also held an executive session regarding contract negotiations, though no action followed the return to open session.

• Approved amended agenda (6-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda (6-0)
• Accepted meeting minutes (6-0)
• Accepted personnel report (6-0)
• Approved district and school disbursements for 02/23/2021 through 03/22/2021 (6-0)
• Recessed to executive session for contract negotiations (6-0)

Regular Board Meeting

The Lawrence school board approved a consent agenda that included hiring Jessica Bassett as Lawrence High School principal effective July 1, 2021, and approved a technology recycling agreement with Synetic Technologies. The board also recessed into executive session to discuss contract negotiations. Financial reports and monthly vouchers were accepted.

• Hiring Jessica Bassett as Lawrence High School principal, effective July 1, 2021
• Approval of Master Services Agreement with Synetic Technologies for technology recycling, which has generated $636,071.07 in revenue since 2018
• Executive session for employer-employee contract negotiations
• Acceptance of financial reports for period ending January 31, 2021
• Approval of monthly vouchers for disbursements Feb 9–22, 2021

The Board of Education approved the appointment of Jessica Bassett as Lawrence High School Principal effective July 1, 2021. The board also approved several operational contracts, including technology recycling and paper purchases. Other items approved via the consent agenda included financial reports and the purchase of table top dividers.

• Hired Jessica Bassett as Lawrence High School Principal effective July 1, 2021 (6-0)
• Approved purchase of 8,400 reams of paper from Contract Paper Group for $20,008.80 (6-0)
• Approved purchase of freestanding table top dividers up to $80,000 using Cares Act Funding (6-0)
• Approved Master Services Agreement with Synetic Technologies, Inc. for technology recycling (6-0)
• Approved district and school disbursements for 02/09/2021 through 02/22/2021 (6-0)
• Accepted Budget to Actual Summary and financial reports ending January 31, 2021 (6-0)
• Accepted personnel report (6-0)
• Approved meeting minutes (6-0)

Regular Board Meeting

The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education is meeting for a regular session that includes a consent agenda with several routine items. The most notable action is approval of a $292,150 contract with Tech Electronics for a fire alarm system at Billy Mills Middle School, funded by 2017 bond proceeds. The board also held two executive sessions for litigation and personnel matters and recognized Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence Youth of the Year candidates.

• Contract with Tech Electronics for NFS2-640 Notifier Fire Alarm System at Billy Mills Middle School for $292,150 (2017 Bond Project Fund)
• Approval of monthly vouchers (disbursements for 01/26/2021 – 02/08/2021)
• Acceptance of financial reports (Budget to Actual, Unencumbered Cash Balance, Donations/Grants/Athletics) for period ending December 31, 2020
• Personnel report (accepted as part of consent agenda)
• Special recognition: Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence Youth of the Year and candidates

The Board of Education approved the purchase of air filtration devices using Federal Cares Act grant funds and a new fire alarm system for Billy Mills Middle School. The board also accepted personnel and financial reports via a consent agenda.

• Approved purchase of air filtration devices up to $900,000 from Federal Cares Act grant funds (7-0)
• Approved $292,150 contract with Tech Electronics for Billy Mills Middle School fire alarm system (7-0)
• Approved summary of district and school disbursements from 01/26/2021 through 02/08/2021 (7-0)
• Accepted Budget to Actual Summary and financial reports ending December 31, 2020 (7-0)
• Accepted personnel report (7-0)
• Approved meeting minutes (7-0)

Notice of Special Meeting

The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education is holding a special meeting for Restorative Justice Training and Kansas Open Meetings Act (KOMA) Training. No decisions or votes are scheduled; the meeting is solely for informational sessions facilitated by external experts.

• Restorative Justice Training facilitated by Sheryl Wilson, Director at Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (KIPCOR)
• KOMA Training facilitated by Angie Stallbaumer, Assistant Executive Director of Legal Services at KASB

Regular Board Meeting

The board will hold a work session on high school graduation, dropout rates, and ACT scores, then convene a regular meeting. Under consent agenda, members will vote on adopting policy KGDA addressing unacceptable behaviors toward students and employees, and delay the election of board officers to July 2021.

• Adoption of new board policy KGDA - Unacceptable Behaviors Toward Students and Employees
• Report on Graduation/Dropout and ACT scores
• Approval of monthly vouchers for disbursements Jan 12-25, 2021
• Delay of election of board president and vice-president to first meeting in July 2021
• Personnel report approval

The board approved the meeting agenda with an amendment to move the Safe Routes Report to New Business. The session included reports on graduation rates, ACT scores, and COVID-19 hybrid learning updates.

• Approved amended agenda (6-1)

Notice of Special Meeting

The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education called a special meeting on Jan. 15, 2021 for a board retreat with Superintendent Dr. Anthony Lewis. The retreat is facilitated by Dr. Pete Gorman of Peter Gorman Leadership Associates and is for information only, with no action to follow. The meeting will end with an adjournment.

• Board Retreat – informational session, no action required
• Adjournment – procedural item

Regular Board Meeting - 5:00 pm

The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education will hold a regular meeting, including a work session on combating teacher workload during the COVID-19 pandemic. The board will also consider routine consent agenda items such as meeting minutes, a personnel report, monthly vouchers, and financial reports.

• Work session on combating teacher workload during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Approval of personnel report
• Approval of monthly vouchers for 12/15/2020–01/11/2021
• Acceptance of financial reports for period ending November 30, 2020

The Board of Education approved the meeting agenda, the consent agenda, and several administrative reports. The meeting included a discussion on mitigating teacher workload increases caused by COVID-19 and recognition of seven retiring staff members.

• Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
• Adopted Consent Agenda (7-0)
• Accepted meeting minutes (7-0)
• Accepted personnel report (7-0)
• Approved district and school disbursements for 12/15/2020 through 01/11/2021 (7-0)
• Accepted financial reports for period ending November 30, 2020 (7-0)