Unified School District 497 public meetings in 2022
35 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board Business Meeting
The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education will vote on renewing a five-year subscription for Cisco security software at a cost of $192,322.96. The meeting also includes routine consent agenda items such as approval of minutes, personnel report, monthly vouchers, and financial reports. The board will recess into executive session to discuss student and personnel matters.
- Renewal of Cisco Umbrella, Cloudlock, and AMP4E Essentials security software through ConvergeOne at $192,322.96 for year two of a five-year subscription
- Approval of monthly vouchers for disbursements from Nov 24 to Dec 7, 2022
- Approval of financial reports including Budget to Actual and Cash Summary for period ending Sept 30, 2022
- Executive session to discuss student and personnel matters
- Special recognition for Free State High School Dance Team, KSHSAA Game Day Spirit Showcase 6A third place finishers
The Board of Education approved a series of items via a consent agenda, including security software renewals and facility upgrades. The board also adopted amendments to board policy and held an executive session regarding student and personnel matters.
- Approved $192,322.96 for year two of security software subscription via ConvergeOne (7-0)
- Renewed year two of a five-year agreement with Norton & Schmidt Consulting Engineers, LLC (7-0)
- Approved $26,142 for AV equipment at Broken Arrow Elementary from Kansas City Audio Visual (7-0)
- Approved recommended changes to Board Policy effective December 12, 2022 (7-0)
- Approved $395,290 for Free State HS Outdoor Athletic Facility exterior improvements (7-0)
- Approved contract extension with Lineage Mail Services not to exceed $125,000 (7-0)
- Approved monthly vouchers for disbursements from 11/24/2022 through 12/07/2022 (7-0)
- Approved Budget to Actual Summary reports for period ending September 30, 2022 (7-0)
Notice of Board Lunch
This is a notice of a Board Lunch for the Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education. The lunch will be held at the Lawrence College and Career Center from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm, and no board business will be discussed.
- Board Lunch at Lawrence College and Career Center (2910 Haskell Ave) with no business agenda
Board Report(s) Meeting
The Lawrence Public Schools Board held a Board Report(s) meeting on November 28, 2022. They approved consent agenda items including the acceptance of meeting minutes, the personnel report, monthly vouchers for November 10–23, 2022, and a garden expansion at Broken Arrow Elementary School. The board also recessed into executive session to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel.
- Approved Broken Arrow Farm 2 School garden expansion, with no additional funding needed
- Approved monthly vouchers (disbursements) for November 10–23, 2022
- Accepted personnel report for the period
- Recessed into executive session for personnel discussions, later extended
- Approved consent agenda by unanimous vote of 7-0
The Board of Education approved the revised curriculum review schedule and the 2023-24 High School Course Description Book, which includes course additions, deletions, and changes. The board also approved several items via a consent agenda, including a computer equipment purchase and a contract termination.
- Approved revised USD 497 Curriculum Review Schedule and 2023-24 High School Course Description Book
- Approved $29,951 bid from ConvergeOne for 20 desktops and 44 monitors (7-0)
- Approved resolution to terminate certified contract for Jordan Gray, Billy Mills Middle School teacher (7-0)
- Approved Broken Arrow Farm 2 School garden expansion (7-0)
- Approved IRC Section 403(b) Plan Amendment effective Jan 1, 2020 (7-0)
- Approved district and school disbursements for 11/10/2022 through 11/23/2022 (7-0)
- Approved meeting minutes and personnel report (7-0)
Notice of Board Lunch
This is a board lunch meeting where no board business will be discussed. The meeting is scheduled from 10:45 am to 11:45 am at New York Elementary School. No decisions or proposals are on the agenda.
Board Business Meeting
The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education will hold a business meeting on November 14, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. The consent agenda includes routine items such as approval of minutes, personnel report, monthly vouchers, and financial reports. A notable item is a vote on 86 additional licenses for the Reading A to Z supplemental reading program at a cost of $19,087, funded by student materials revolving funds. Public comment will be taken, and a special recognition will honor the Kansas State 6A Tennis Singles Champion.
- Approval of 86 additional Reading A to Z licenses for $19,087 for grades K-2 as a Tier 2 reading resource
- Acceptance of personnel report for the period
- Approval of monthly vouchers for district and school disbursements from 10/20/2022 to 11/09/2022
- Approval of financial reports including budget-to-actual for all funds and cash summaries for July and August 2022
- Recognition of Kinley VanPelt, Kansas State 6A Tennis Singles Champion
Notice of Special Meeting
The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education held a special meeting on November 7, 2022. The board approved the agenda, heard an update from the Futures Planning Committee on enrollment projections and a facility master plan process, and recessed into executive session to discuss the superintendent's evaluation. The board later extended the executive session and returned to open session with possible action pending.
- Approval of the meeting agenda (motion passed)
- Futures Planning Committee update from RSP & Associates on enrollment analysis and facility master plan
- Recess to executive session to discuss Superintendent's Evaluation (motion passed, 30 minutes)
- Extension of executive session (motion passed, with possible action to follow)
- Adjournment (motion passed)
The board affirmed that top financial priorities include improving staff salaries, maintaining a balanced budget, and replenishing the contingency fund. The board previewed a community survey regarding budget expenditures in staffing, programs, and facilities. No other substantive actions were taken.
- Approved the agenda (6-0)
- Affirmed financial priorities for Futures Planning Committee
- Approved recess to executive session for Superintendent's Evaluation (7-0)
- Adjourned meeting (7-0)
Notice of Board Breakfast
The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education will hold a Board Breakfast at Billy Mills Middle School from 7:30-8:30 am. No board business will be discussed during this gathering.
Notice of Board Lunch
The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education is holding a board lunch at Langston Hughes Elementary School from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. The notice states that no board business will be discussed during this time.
Board Report(s) Meeting
This is a routine board report meeting. The board approved a consent agenda that includes adoption of amendments to board policy, a personnel report, monthly vouchers, and selection of a delegate to the KASB convention. The board also recognized retiring staff members Kelly McCarthy Rettig (16 years) and Vicki Lindberg (12 years). Public comment was invited.
- Approval of consent agenda including policy amendments, personnel report, monthly vouchers (amounts not specified), and selection of delegate GR Gordon-Ross to the KASB Annual Convention.
- Recognition of retiring employees: Kelly McCarthy Rettig (16 years) and Vicki Lindberg (12 years).
- Designation of authorized representative for 2022-2023, including Dr. Larry Englebrick as appeal hearing officer for suspensions and expulsions.
- Adoption of amendments to board policy, effective October 24, 2022.
The Board of Education adopted a consent agenda including several facility maintenance contracts and technology purchases. Key approvals included roof recovery at Langston Hughes Elementary and district-wide security cameras. The board also approved personnel reports and board policy amendments.
- Approved $221,822.28 roof recovery at Langston Hughes Elementary (5-0)
- Approved $152,083.59 for district-wide security cameras (5-0)
- Approved $191,891.08 purchase of Unified Insights from PowerSchool (5-0)
- Approved $60,000 encumbrance for staff and student device repairs (5-0)
- Approved $27,617 for Schwegler RTU compressor/heat exchanger replacement (5-0)
- Approved $14,400 contract with FMX for scheduling and work order software (5-0)
- Approved $1,898 change order for Woodlawn boiler valves (5-0)
- Approved amendments to Board Policy effective October 24, 2022 (5-0)
Notice of Special Meeting
The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education held a special meeting to appoint Superintendent Dr. Anthony Lewis as an Appeal Hearing Officer for suspension and expulsion appeals. The board approved the agenda and the appointment unanimously, then adjourned.
- Appointment of Dr. Anthony Lewis as Appeal Hearing Officer for suspension and expulsion appeals
- Meeting called by Board President Shannon Kimball
- All motions passed unanimously
The Board of Education appointed Superintendent Dr. Anthony Lewis as an Appeal Hearing Officer for suspension and expulsion appeals. The board also approved the meeting agenda.
- Appointed Superintendent Dr. Anthony Lewis as Appeal Hearing Officer for suspension and expulsion appeals (5-0)
- Approved the agenda for the October 12, 2022 special board meeting (5-0)
Board Business Meeting
The board will recognize a Lawrence High School student, hear reports from the superintendent and board president, and accept public comment. The consent agenda includes approval of minutes, personnel report, monthly vouchers, a $72,589.66 PowerSchool software renewal, $26,500 in emergency sewer repairs at Kennedy Early Childhood Center, and an additional $38,732.62 for tuck-pointing at Liberty Memorial Central Middle School.
- 2022-2023 PowerSchool BusinessPlus & Operations Modules renewal for $72,589.66
- Emergency sewer repair at Kennedy Early Childhood Center by P1 Group, Inc. for $26,500
- Additional $38,732.62 for tuck-pointing at Liberty Memorial Central Middle School, total $341,804.24
- Monthly vouchers summary for period 09/22/2022 to 10/05/2022
- Personnel report approval
The Board of Education approved a consent agenda including a bid for new computer hardware and emergency sewer repairs. The board also authorized additional funds for exterior wall repairs at Liberty Memorial Central Middle School and renewed a software contract with PowerSchool.
- Approved $253,000 bid from ConvergeOne for 225 monitors, 150 desktops, and 50 laptops (5-0)
- Approved $26,500 payment to P1 Group, Inc. for emergency sewer repairs at Kennedy Early Childhood Center (5-0)
- Approved additional $38,732.62 for exterior wall repairs at Liberty Memorial Central Middle School, totaling $341,804.24 (5-0)
- Approved $72,589.66 renewal for PowerSchool BusinessPlus and operations modules (5-0)
- Approved monthly vouchers for district and school disbursements from 09/22/2022 through 10/05/2022 (5-0)
- Accepted personnel report (5-0)
- Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
Notice of Board Breakfast
The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education is holding a board breakfast at Woodlawn Elementary School. The notice explicitly states that no board business will be discussed during the event.
Board Report(s) Meeting
The Lawrence Board of Education held a routine board report meeting on September 26, 2022. The consent agenda included approval of meeting minutes, personnel report, monthly vouchers, and acceptance of a bid for HVAC Phase 1 work at Deerfield, New York, Schwegler Elementary, and Wakarusa. The board voted to accept Metro Air Conditioning Company's $792,000 bid with a 10% contingency for a total of $871,000, to be paid from Capital Outlay funds with potential ESSER reimbursement.
- Accepted bid for HVAC Phase 1 at Deerfield, New York, Schwegler, and Wakarusa for $792,000 plus $79,000 contingency
- Approved consent agenda including minutes from September 12, 2022 board business meeting
- Approved personnel report for September 26, 2022
- Approved monthly vouchers for district disbursements from 09/08/2022 to 09/21/2022
- Heard public comments and board commentary
The Board of Education approved a consent agenda including HVAC upgrades for four elementary schools and several software and service renewals. The board also recognized outstanding students and staff and received a strategic plan update on employee recruitment and retention.
- Approved $871,000 HVAC Phase 1 work for Deerfield, New York, Schwegler, and Wakarusa elementary schools
- Approved TeachTown enCORE subscription not to exceed $32,000
- Approved IRS Section 125 Plan amendment to increase Health Flexible Spending Account limit to $2,850
- Approved PowerSchool (TalentEd) maintenance agreement not to exceed $26,180
- Approved Employee Assistance Program renewal with New Directions Behavioral Health for $47,300.16
- Approved contract with Cornerstones of Care Services not to exceed $45,000
- Approved personnel report and monthly vouchers for 09/08/2022 through 09/21/2022
- Approved meeting agenda
Board Business Meeting
The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education opened and closed two budget hearings at its September 12, 2022 business meeting: one on the Revenue Neutral Rate and one on the SY 2022-23 Budget. The board also swore in new member GR Gordon-Ross, approved the consent agenda (including meeting minutes, a personnel report, and monthly vouchers for 08/18/2022–09/07/2022), and received a superintendent's report with water testing results.
- Opened and closed Revenue Neutral Rate budget hearing (motions passed 5–0 and 6–0)
- Opened and closed SY 2022-23 Budget hearing (motions passed 6–0)
- New board member GR Gordon-Ross sworn in by Douglas County Clerk Jamie Shew
- Approved consent agenda: minutes, personnel report, and monthly vouchers
- Superintendent's report included a water testing summary (file attached)
The Board of Education swore in GR Gordon-Ross to fill a vacancy through January 2024. The board also approved multiple service contracts for the 2022-2023 school year and reduced graduation requirements for the 2023 senior class.
- Appointed GR Gordon-Ross to fill vacancy created by Andrew Nussbaum
- Approved contract with Lake Mary Services not to exceed $65,000
- Approved contract with Phoenix Contracted Services not to exceed $40,000
- Approved contract with Cornerstones of Care Services not to exceed $45,000
- Approved reducing graduation requirements from 23 to 21 for the 2023 senior class
- Opened and closed Revenue Neutral Rate budget hearing
- Opened and closed SY 2022-23 budget hearing
- Approved monthly vouchers for disbursements from 08/18/2022 through 09/07/2022
Notice of Special Meeting
The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education is holding a special meeting to interview four candidates for a board vacancy created by the resignation of Andrew Nussbaum. After the interviews, the board will vote to appoint one applicant to serve until January 8, 2024. A special election will be held in November 2023 to fill the remainder of the term through January 2026.
- Vacancy caused by resignation of board member Andrew Nussbaum, effective July 18, 2022
- Four candidates to be interviewed: Amy McVey, GR Gordon-Ross, Anne Costello, Clint Ramirez Stephens
- Appointed member will serve until January 8, 2024; special election in November 2023 for a two-year term through January 2026
- Meeting includes approval of agenda and adjournment as procedural items
The board interviewed finalists and voted via paper ballots to fill a vacancy created by Andrew Nussbaum's resignation. GR Gordon-Ross was appointed to the position and will serve through January 8, 2024.
- Approved the agenda (6-0)
- Appointed GR Gordon-Ross to fill board vacancy
- Adjourned the meeting (6-0)
Board Report(s) Meeting
The Lawrence school board will hold a work session at 5:15 PM on Title funding allocation, followed by a regular meeting. The consent agenda includes policy amendments and monthly vouchers, but the Montessori Full Pay Fee item was pulled for separate discussion. The board also approved the meeting agenda.
- Work session on Title funding overview and allocation options
- Approval of policy amendments: GAAD (annual training), JBCB (foster care), JCDB (tribal regalia)
- First read of additional policy amendments (Sections D, J, K) for future action
- Monthly vouchers for period 08/04/2022–08/17/2022
- Montessori Full Pay Fee removed from consent agenda for separate discussion
Board Business Meeting
The board is voting on consent agenda items including routine approvals of meeting minutes, personnel report, monthly vouchers, and financial reports. A notable item is the renewal of Cisco Flex maintenance through ConvergeOne for $90,648 from the Administrative Technology budget. A roofing maintenance proposal from Norton & Schmidt Consulting Engineers is also on the consent agenda (details incomplete in the provided agenda). Public comment is scheduled.
- Cisco Flex maintenance renewal for 2022-2023 at $90,648 from Administrative Technology budget
- Monthly vouchers for period 07/21/2022 through 08/03/2022
- Financial reports (Budget to Actual) for period ending June 30, 2022
- Personnel report (13 KB attachment)
- Roofing maintenance proposal from Norton & Schmidt Consulting Engineers (details incomplete)
The Board of Education approved a series of consent agenda items including roofing services, technology renewals, and a ground lease. The board also recognized Rauna McCoy for 25 years of service.
- Approved Cisco Flex Maintenance renewal for $90,648 (6-0)
- Approved roofing consulting for six schools for $30,480 (6-0)
- Approved district-wide roofing surveys for $54,260.90 (6-0)
- Approved BrightStar Contracted Services contract up to $95,000 (6-0)
- Approved $24,000 for AT&T student hotspot data (6-0)
- Approved Reading A to Z license renewal for $27,246 (6-0)
- Approved District Student Handbooks for Elementary, Middle, and High School (6-0)
- Approved ground lease for DISH Wireless LLC at Free State High School for $400/month (6-0)
Board Report(s) Meeting
The Lawrence Public Schools Board held a work session to discuss district priorities and budget planning, followed by a regular board meeting. The board approved a consent agenda including routine items such as meeting minutes, personnel report, monthly vouchers, and software renewals, but pulled item 3.23 (2022-2023 Schedule of Fees) for separate discussion under new business. The meeting also featured special recognitions for Team STEAM Robotics mentors, Chris Storm, and LMH Leadership Academy students.
- Work session on district priorities and budget planning
- Approval of Mosyle Manager renewal for $88,834.50
- Approval of ClassLink renewal for $35,495
- Approval of monthly vouchers for disbursements from 07/07/2022 to 07/20/2022
- Item 3.23 (2022-2023 Schedule of Fees) pulled for discussion under new business
The Board of Education approved a series of administrative and instructional contracts through a consent agenda. The board also held a work session to discuss strategic plan goals and the district's long-term fiscal health. Item 3.23 regarding the 2022-2023 Schedule of Fees was removed from the consent agenda for separate discussion.
- Approved agenda (6-0)
- Approved consent agenda excluding item 3.23 (6-0)
- Approved meeting minutes (5-0)
- Approved personnel report (5-0)
- Approved district and school disbursements for 07/07/2022 through 07/20/2022 (5-0)
- Approved $88,834.50 Mosyle Manager renewal (5-0)
- Approved $35,495 ClassLink site licenses and Analytics Plus renewal (5-0)
- Approved $43,700 AVID Site Membership Fees and subscriptions (5-0)
Organizational/Board Business Meeting
This is an organizational/board business meeting where the board elected Shannon Kimball as president, elected a vice president (result not shown), and approved a consent agenda including personnel, monthly vouchers, financial reports, and claims. The meeting also included public comment and reports from the superintendent and board president.
- Election of Shannon Kimball as board president
- Election of vice president (vote held, outcome not recorded in agenda)
- Approval of personnel report
- Approval of monthly vouchers for June 23 – July 6, 2022
- Approval of financial reports for periods ending April and May 2022
The Board of Education held organizational elections for its leadership positions. Additionally, the board approved a series of consent agenda items including meal prices, financial reports, and a contract renewal.
- Elected Shannon Kimball as Board President (7-0)
- Elected Paula Smith as Board Vice President (4-3)
- Approved 2022-2023 renewal contract with digiCOACH for $33,820 (7-0)
- Approved purchase of milk and milk products from Hiland Dairy for 2022-2023 (7-0)
- Approved recommended meal prices for the 2022-2023 school year (7-0)
- Approved designation of authorized signers for district bank accounts (7-0)
- Approved personnel report, monthly vouchers, and financial reports (7-0)
- Authorized board treasurer to issue checks for expenditures between meetings (7-0)
Board Report(s) Meeting
The Board will hold a 5:00 PM work session to discuss proposed revisions to the Board Governance and Operations Manual, including changes to the leadership team and duties of the past president. At 6:00 PM, the regular meeting includes a consent agenda with a $151,335 contract for district-wide building surveys, a bench donation for Schwegler Elementary, and routine approvals like personnel reports and monthly vouchers.
- Work session discussion on board operations manual revisions, including adding past president to leadership team
- Approval of $151,335 for Norton & Schmidt Consulting Engineers for district-wide mechanical and electrical system surveys
- Approval of in-kind bench donation valued at $962.96 for Schwegler Elementary courtyard from Alexander Gordon-Ross
- Approval of monthly vouchers for disbursements from 06/09/2022 to 06/22/2022
- Approval of meeting minutes and personnel report
The Board of Education approved the meeting agenda, the consent agenda, and the personnel report. Members discussed proposed updates to the Board Operations Manual, including officer election processes and public comment guidance, though the Policy Committee will re-evaluate certain public comment changes.
- Approved amended agenda (6-0)
- Approved Consent Agenda (6-0)
- Accepted meeting minutes (5-0)
- Accepted personnel report (5-0)
- Approved district and school disbursements for 06/09/2022 through 06/22/2022 (5-0)
- Recessed to executive session for personnel matters (6-0)
Board Business Meeting
The Lawrence Public Schools Board held a work session at 5:00 PM to discuss student fees, including a potential new device fee, in preparation for setting 2022/23 fees at the July meeting. The regular board meeting at 6:00 PM included approval of routine consent agenda items: meeting minutes, personnel report, monthly vouchers, financial reports, and an annual fire alarm testing contract with Tech Electronics of Kansas for $34,202.50.
- Work session on student fees, including possibility of a new device fee (discussion only)
- Annual district-wide fire alarm testing & inspections contract with Tech Electronics of Kansas for $34,202.50
- Monthly vouchers approved for disbursements from 05/19/2022 through 06/08/2022
- Financial reports approved for periods ending November 30, 2021 through March 31, 2022
- Personnel report accepted
The board approved the meeting agenda and the items listed on the consent agenda. Members also held a work session to discuss potential increases to student fees and technology device repair costs, though no formal decisions on fees were made.
- Approved meeting agenda (6-0)
- Approved items on the Consent Agenda (6-0)
Board Report(s) Meeting
The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education approved the consent agenda at its May 23, 2022 reports meeting, which included routine items such as personnel reports, monthly vouchers, and two notable contracts: a $34,709.15 annual renewal of Brightly facility management software and a $54,357.00 purchase of Benchmark Advance 2.5 ELA curriculum for kindergarten through 5th grade at Lawrence Virtual School. The board also recognized Free State High School's National Debate and State Speech champions.
- Approval of $54,357.00 purchase of Benchmark Advance 2.5 ELA resource for Lawrence Virtual School K-5
- Approval of $34,709.15 annual renewal of Brightly (formerly Dude Solutions) facility and operations management software
- Approval of monthly vouchers (disbursements) for May 5–18, 2022
- Recognition of Free State High School National Debate and State Speech champions
- Approval of personnel report and meeting minutes
The Board of Education approved a consent agenda including a personnel report, monthly vouchers, and several vendor contracts. The meeting included reports on student achievements and updates regarding graduation schedules due to weather.
- Approved amended agenda (6-0)
- Approved Consent Agenda (7-0)
- Accepted meeting minutes (7-0)
- Accepted personnel report (7-0)
- Approved district and school disbursements for 05/05/2022 through 05/18/2022 (7-0)
- Approved $34,709.15 renewal for Brightly facility management software (7-0)
- Approved $54,357.00 purchase of Benchmark Advance 2.5 ELA resources for Lawrence Virtual School (7-0)
- Approved $1,500 change order for BG Consultants regarding Liberty pick up area modifications (7-0)
Board Business Meeting
The Lawrence Public Schools Board met on May 9, 2022 to adopt routine consent agenda items, including meeting minutes, a personnel report, and monthly voucher disbursements. The board also recessed to executive session to discuss employer‑employee contract negotiations. Finally, the board accepted bid recommendations totaling $244,000 for roof recovery at Langston Hughes Elementary and miscellaneous roof repairs at several elementary schools and Liberty Memorial Middle School.
- Executive session recess to negotiate a fair and equitable contract (motions 1.4‑1.6).
- Adoption of consent agenda items: meeting minutes, personnel report, and monthly vouchers.
- Acceptance of roof repair bids: $215,000 for roof recovery at Langston Hughes Elementary and $29,000 for miscellaneous repairs at Cordley, Langston Hughes, Quail Run, Sunflower, Woodlawn Elementary and Liberty Memorial Middle School, total $244,000.
The Board of Education approved several items via a consent agenda, including roof recovery and repair contracts and employee insurance programs. The board also held multiple executive sessions regarding contract negotiations.
- Approved $215,000 roof recovery for Langston Hughes Elementary (6-0)
- Approved $29,000 miscellaneous roof repairs for six schools (6-0)
- Approved medical, dental, and vision insurance programs for 2022-2023 (6-0)
- Approved updated agenda (6-0)
- Accepted personnel report (6-0)
- Approved district and school disbursements for 04/21/2022 through 05/04/2022 (6-0)
- Approved meeting minutes (6-0)
Notice of Board Advance
The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education will hold a Board Advance on April 30, 2022, with Superintendent Dr. Anthony Lewis. This is a procedural and informational meeting featuring facilitation by Dr. Doug Moeckel of KASB and training by Kristin Magette of Creative Effective Lasting. No decisions or actions will be taken.
Board Report(s) Meeting
The Board of Education held a work session regarding academic, behavior, and school climate data. The meeting also included the approval of several consent agenda items, including updated costs for boiler maintenance and engineering services for HVAC upgrades.
- Work session on academics, behavior, and school climate data
- Price adjustment for P1 Group Inc. annual boiler preventative maintenance to $29,743.00
- Amended proposal for Lankford | Fendler + associates engineering services for HVAC upgrades totaling $228,520
- Phase 1 HVAC upgrades including Southwest Middle School, Deerfield Elementary, New York Elementary, Schwegler Elementary, and Wakarusa Valley
The Board of Education approved several maintenance and equipment contracts via a consent agenda. Key actions included funding for HVAC upgrades and increasing the budget for student and staff device repairs.
- Approved agenda (7-0)
- Approved Consent Agenda (7-0)
- Approved meeting minutes (7-0)
- Approved personnel report (7-0)
- Approved monthly vouchers for 04/07/2022 through 04/20/2022 (7-0)
- Approved $29,743 annual boiler maintenance agreement with P1 Group Inc. (7-0)
- Approved $228,520 amended proposal for ESSER HVAC Upgrades Phase 1 (7-0)
- Approved $60,000 additional encumbrance for Synetic Technologies device repairs (7-0)
Board Business Meeting
The board will vote on additional budget reductions that include cuts to administration and learning coaches. The consent agenda covers routine items: personnel report, monthly vouchers, financial reports, and IDEA Part B assurances for special education funding. The meeting also includes recognitions and public comment.
- Budget Reduction Recommendation: additional cuts to administration and learning coaches
- Personnel report (consent)
- Monthly vouchers for district disbursements March 24 – April 6, 2022 (consent)
- Financial reports: budget-to-actual summaries for Nov 2021, Dec 2021, Jan 2022 (consent)
- IDEA Part B Assurances to KSDE for special education funding (consent)
The Board of Education approved additional budget reductions to administration and the learning coach program. These cuts are part of a larger effort to achieve over $6.4 million in savings to address a $4.27 million shortfall caused by declining enrollment and state aid losses.
- Approved $340,962 in additional budget cuts to administration and learning coach program (5-2)
- Approved the meeting agenda (6-0)
- Adopted the Consent Agenda (7-0)
- Accepted meeting minutes (7-0)
- Accepted personnel report (7-0)
- Approved district and school disbursements from 03/24/2022 through 04/06/2022 (7-0)
- Approved Budget to Actual Summaries for periods ending Nov 30, Dec 31, and Jan 31, 2022 (7-0)
- Approved IDEA Part B Assurances for submission to KSDE (7-0)
Notice of Board Lunch
This is a procedural notice for a board lunch where three or more board members may be present, but no official business will be discussed.
Board Business Meeting
The Lawrence school board approved a consent agenda that included a $200,715.44 contract with Norton & Schmidt for building exteriors maintenance districtwide and a $40,250 contract for repairs to the Freestate High School outdoor athletic field building. The board also accepted the personnel report, monthly vouchers for Feb 24–Mar 23, and meeting minutes. An executive session was held to discuss personnel matters.
- Approved $200,715.44 contract with Norton & Schmidt Consulting Engineers for districtwide building exteriors maintenance (Capital Outlay Funds)
- Approved $40,250 contract with Norton & Schmidt for Freestate High School outdoor athletic field building repairs (Capital Outlay Funds)
- Approved personnel report (enclosure attached)
- Approved monthly vouchers summary for period 02/24/2022–03/23/2022
- Recessed to executive session for personnel discussion of non-elected personnel
The Board of Education approved a consent agenda including personnel reports, monthly vouchers, and two contracts with Norton & Schmidt Consulting Engineers. The approved projects include repairs to the Free State High School Outdoor Athletic Field Building and districtwide exterior maintenance.
- Approved $40,250 contract with Norton & Schmidt Consulting Engineers for Free State High School Outdoor Athletic Field Building repairs (7-0)
- Approved $200,715.44 contract with Norton & Schmidt Consulting Engineers for districtwide building exteriors maintenance (7-0)
- Approved personnel report (7-0)
- Approved monthly vouchers for disbursements from 02/24/2022 through 03/23/2022 (7-0)
- Approved meeting minutes and special meeting minutes from 3/22/22 (7-0)
- Approved amended agenda to include personnel report and executive session (7-0)
Notice of Special Meeting
The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education is holding a special meeting to receive a budget update, including administrator recommendations for budget reductions in the 2022/23 school year. The board will hear a report from finance and superintendent staff on the impact of proposed cuts on students, based on an equity analysis. Procedural items such as agenda approval and adjournment are also included.
- Budget update presented by Cynde Frick and Dr. Anthony Lewis
- Review of budget reduction recommendations for 2022/23
- Equity impact analysis of each reduction proposal
- Administrator ranking of proposals by student impact
The board reviewed administrative recommendations to address a budget shortfall, with a target of $4.27 million in cuts. Members discussed potential reductions to staffing, library media services, and AVID, while removing proposed cuts to student club stipends. Final decisions are scheduled for March 28.
- Approved the meeting agenda
- Consensus reached to remove recommended cuts to staff stipends for student clubs and activities
- Delayed discussion on discontinuing high school gymnastics pending a Title IX evaluation
- Adjourned the meeting
Board Report(s) Meeting
The Lawrence school board is meeting to consider a consent agenda that includes approval of meeting minutes, a personnel report, monthly vouchers for district disbursements from Feb 10-23, 2022, and a resolution updating signers on the state municipal investment pool. The board will also recognize student and staff achievements and discuss student matters in executive session.
- Approval of personnel report (hires, separations, etc.)
- Approval of monthly vouchers for disbursements Feb 10-23, 2022
- Resolution to update authorized signers on State Municipal Investment Pool account
- Special recognitions for theater, counseling, and journalism honors
- Executive session to discuss student privacy matters
The Board of Education approved a consent agenda including the purchase of air purifier filters and the appointment of a board treasurer. The board also recognized student and staff achievements and held a brief executive session regarding student privacy.
- Approved purchase of air purifier filters from Flaghouse for $49,231.25 (7-0)
- Appointed Cynde Frick as board treasurer (7-0)
- Approved $20,000 additional encumbrance for device repair with SyneticTechnologies, Inc. (7-0)
- Approved updating authorized signers for the State Municipal Investment Pool (7-0)
- Approved district and school disbursements for 02/10/2022 through 02/23/2022 (7-0)
- Accepted personnel report (7-0)
- Approved meeting minutes from February 7 and February 21, 2022 (7-0)
Notice of Special Meeting
The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education holds a special meeting to discuss budget savings proposals to bridge an estimated $3.2-$3.85 million shortfall and improve compensation. The board previously reached consensus not to close schools next year. They will consider a resolution to publish a notice of public hearing regarding potential school closures, but are focusing on identifying $7 million in cuts without closures.
- Discussion of budget savings process targeting $7 million in cuts
- Board consensus not to close schools for 2022-23 school year
- Possible resolution to publish notice of public hearing on school closures
- Public comment period for community input
- Review of budget reduction proposals from multiple district committees
The board discussed identifying approximately $7 million in cuts to address a $3.2-$3.85 million budget shortfall and fund salary increases. The board requested a prioritized list of recommended cuts from district and building administration. No final budget cuts were approved during this meeting.
- Approved the agenda (7-0)
- Established March 28 as the deadline for making budget cut decisions
- Requested administration provide a prioritized list of budget cuts based on least harm to students
- Adjourned the meeting (7-0)
Board Business Meeting
The Lawrence Public Schools Board reviewed budget‑savings options and approved routine consent agenda items. It adopted the monthly voucher disbursement summary for Jan 20 – Feb 9 2022. The board also approved a contract with Tech Electronics to replace the fire alarm system at Langston Hughes Elementary for $106,560 using capital outlay funds.
- Review of budget savings options presented by the Budget & Program Evaluation Committee
- Adoption of the consent agenda, including routine items and personnel report
- Approval of monthly vouchers covering district disbursements from 01/20/2022 to 02/09/2022
- Contract approval with Tech Electronics for a NFS2-640 Notifier fire alarm system at Langston Hughes Elementary ($106,560)
- Approval of the FSHS Performing Arts trip to Chicago, Illinois
The board reached a consensus not to support current school closing options to address a budget shortfall of $3.2-$3.85 million. Members intend to continue discussing how to identify $7 million in cuts to bridge the deficit and improve staff compensation. The board also approved several contracts and a student trip via a consent agenda.
- Rejected current school closing options for next year (Consensus)
- Approved agenda (7-0)
- Adopted Consent Agenda (7-0)
- Approved meeting minutes (6-0)
- Accepted personnel report (6-0)
- Approved district and school disbursements for 01/20/2022 through 02/09/2022 (6-0)
- Approved $106,560 contract with Tech Electronics for Langston Hughes Elementary fire alarm system (6-0)
- Approved FSHS Performing Arts trip to Chicago for April 2022 (6-0)
Notice of Special Meeting
The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education held a special meeting on February 7, 2022, solely to conduct multiple executive sessions. No public comment was included. The board discussed the superintendent's evaluation, KOMA training, contract negotiations, and building security in closed sessions.
- Executive session to discuss Superintendent's Evaluation (personnel matters)
- Executive session for KOMA Training (attorney-client privilege)
- Executive session for employer-employee negotiations
- Executive session for district security measures
The board approved the meeting agenda and held four separate executive sessions. These sessions covered the Superintendent's evaluation, KOMA training, contract negotiations, and district security matters. No substantive actions were taken during the open sessions.
- Approved the agenda (5-0)
- Approved recess to executive session for Superintendent's Evaluation (5-0)
- Approved recess to executive session for KOMA Training (7-0)
- Approved recess to executive session for employer-employee negotiations (6-0)
- Approved recess to executive session for district security matters (7-0)
- Approved extension of executive session for district security matters (7-0)
- Approved adjournment of meeting (7-0)
Board Report(s) Meeting
This meeting consists primarily of a consent agenda with routine items such as minutes, personnel report, and monthly vouchers. The board will also consider a $45,000 contract with Cornerstones of Care for an out-of-district special education placement. An executive session is scheduled to discuss the superintendent's evaluation. One item from the consent agenda (item 2.12) was removed for separate discussion under new business, though details are not available in the provided text.
- Approval of $45,000 contract with Cornerstones of Care for special education services for 2021-2022 school year
- Executive session to discuss Superintendent's evaluation (personnel matter)
- Recognition of Free State High School State Debate honors
- Monthly vouchers for district disbursements from 01/06/2022 to 01/19/2022
- Item 2.12 removed from consent agenda for separate discussion under new business (details unknown)
The Board of Education approved a consent agenda including district-wide HVAC improvements and several service contracts. The meeting included an executive session regarding the Superintendent's evaluation and significant public comment regarding potential school closures and budget shortfalls.
- Approved district-wide HVAC upgrades with Lankford Fendler & Associates for $225,520 (7-0)
- Approved contract with Cornerstones of Care for 2021-2022 school year not to exceed $45,000 (7-0)
- Approved encumbering $54,500 from technology general fund for AT&T hotspot data (7-0)
- Approved space lease at Wakarusa Valley Elementary School with Southeast Kansas Education Service Center – Greenbush for $4,624.27 per month (7-0)
- Approved edits to the PAL-CWA and Board of Education formal agreement (7-0)
- Approved the personnel report, including the hiring of Cynde Frick as Executive Director of Finance and Board Treasurer (7-0)
- Approved summary of district and school disbursements for 01/06/2022 through 01/19/2022 (7-0)
- Approved the meeting agenda (7-0)
Board Business Meeting
The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education held a business meeting on January 10, 2022, adopting a consent agenda that included several routine items. Key actions include approving a $264,669.75 purchase of firewall hardware and warranty services from ConvergeOne, which qualifies for 60% federal E-Rate reimbursement. Three new board members—Kay Emerson, Andrew Nussbaum, and Kelly Jones—were sworn in. The meeting also included acceptance of the annual audit, approval of monthly vouchers, and a personnel report.
- Approved $264,669.75 firewall and warranty purchase from ConvergeOne, eligible for 60% E-Rate reimbursement
- Swearing-in of new board members Kay Emerson, Andrew Nussbaum, and Kelly Jones by Douglas County Clerk Jamie Shew
- Accepted audit for fiscal year ending June 30, 2021, with no significant weaknesses
- Approved monthly vouchers for district disbursements from 12/09/2021 to 01/05/2022
- Consent agenda items 2.9 and 2.10 were removed for separate discussion under new business
The Board of Education approved several contracts, including a $264,669.75 firewall purchase and a special education software contract. Members also authorized administration to re-establish unencumbered cash balances in select funds to address low contingency reserves.
- Approved purchase of district firewall and hardware warranty from ConvergeOne for $264,669.75 (7-0)
- Approved 36-month contract with 321 Insight for SPED software not to exceed $67,000 (7-0)
- Approved revised audit cost for year ending June 30, 2021, increasing from $29,580 to $32,130 (7-0)
- Approved plan to re-establish unencumbered cash balances in select funds (7-0)
- Accepted audit for period ending June 30, 2021 (7-0)
- Approved personnel report (7-0)
- Approved summary of district and school disbursements from 12/09/2021 through 01/05/2022 (7-0)