Unified School District 497 public meetings in 2025
28 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Notice of Special Meeting
The Lawrence Board of Education will hold a special meeting solely for two executive sessions: one to discuss personnel matters of non-elected staff and another to evaluate Superintendent Dr. Jeanice Kerr-Swift. No public business or votes are scheduled.
- Executive session (15 min) to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel
- Executive session (60 min) to evaluate Superintendent Dr. Jeanice Kerr-Swift
- Meeting held at Facilities and Operations Building, 711 E 23rd St
The Board of Education approved the meeting agenda and conducted two executive sessions. The first session addressed personnel matters with the human resources administrator, and the second was for a superintendent evaluation.
- Approved June 24, 2025 special board meeting agenda (5-0)
- Recessed to Executive Session for personnel matters (5-0)
- Recessed to Executive Session for superintendent evaluation (5-0)
- Adjourned the meeting (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Board Report(s) Meeting
The Lawrence Public Schools board passed consent agenda items including a new managed-service contract with Logicalis Inc. at $5,000/month, a six-year printer lease with SumnerONE Inc. at up to $297,806.40 annually, and a $47,000 purchase of football uniforms for Lawrence High School. The meeting also included reports from the superintendent and board president.
- Approved multi-year managed service provider contract with Logicalis Inc. at $5,000/month for network monitoring and management
- Authorized lease update with SumnerONE Inc. for 112 walk-up printers and two high-production machines, annual cost not to exceed $297,806.40 through December 2031
- Approved $47,000 purchase of LHS football uniforms from BSN Sports LLC using capital outlay funds
- Consent agenda adopted unanimously by board members present
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Board Report(s) Meeting
This is a regular board report(s) meeting. The board will consider routine consent agenda items including disposal of old athletic equipment, personnel changes, and monthly vouchers, and will receive a report on 2025-2026 annual student enrollment.
- Disposal and sale of obsolete athletic equipment and uniforms from high schools, proceeds to athletic programs
- Approval of personnel report for November 17, 2025
- Approval of monthly disbursements for 11/01/2025 – 11/07/2025
- Approval of meeting minutes from November 10, 2025
- Report on 2025-2026 annual student enrollment and class sizes
The Board of Education approved the meeting agenda and the consent agenda items. It authorized the disposal of unsafe athletic equipment and the sale of unneeded equipment and outdated uniforms, directing proceeds to support each school’s athletic programs. The Board also approved the personnel report, monthly voucher disbursements, and accepted the meeting minutes. The meeting was adjourned at 7:26 p.m.
- Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
- Adopted consent agenda (unanimous)
- Approved disposal and sale of obsolete athletic equipment and uniforms (unanimous)
- Approved personnel report (unanimous)
- Approved monthly voucher disbursements (unanimous)
- Accepted meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting at 7:26 p.m. (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Board Report(s) Meeting
The board voted to adopt the consent agenda, which includes approving multiple contracts for the Langston Hughes Elementary School expansion. The contracts cover architectural, civil engineering, MEP engineering, and structural engineering services totaling over $590,000. The expansion includes seven new classrooms, dining commons expansion, and site improvements.
- Architectural services from ACI Boland Architects: $299,840
- Civil engineering and planning services from Landplan Engineering: $58,000
- Engineering and MEP services from Lankford | Fendler and Associates: $157,158.78
- Structural engineering and construction administration from BKBM Engineers: $75,900
The Board of Education approved several service contracts for the Langston Hughes Elementary School expansion. They also voted to appoint the fourth-place finisher in the November 2025 election to fill a current board vacancy starting January 12, 2026.
- Approved agenda (5-0)
- Approved ACI Boland Architects fee of $299,840.00 for Langston Hughes expansion (5-0)
- Approved Landplan Engineering fee of $58,000.00 for Langston Hughes expansion (5-0)
- Approved Lankford | Fendler and Associates Consulting Engineers, Inc. fee of $157,158.78 for Langston Hughes expansion (5-0)
- Approved Norton and Schmidt Consulting Engineers, LLC fee of $60,000.00 for Langston Hughes expansion (5-0)
- Approved 3% increase to administrative salary pool at approximately $194,258 (5-0)
- Approved Consent Agenda items including meeting minutes, personnel report, and financial reports (5-0)
- Appointed fourth-place finisher in November election to fill board vacancy (4-0)
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
Board Report(s) Meeting
The board is accepting the resignation of board member Anne Costello, effective immediately, and will publish a vacancy notice. It also approved a $270,000 contract with Behavioral Health Allies for special education services for a student requiring out-of-district placement. The meeting included executive sessions for personnel and legal matters, plus routine reports and consent agenda items.
- Resignation of board member Anne Costello accepted, effective October 27, 2025
- Contract with Behavioral Health Allies approved: $270,000 ($80,000 education, $190,000 transportation)
- Executive session for personnel matters with superintendent and HR
- Executive session for potential litigation with legal counsel
- Consent agenda approved including all routine items
The Lawrence Public Schools Board approved a consent agenda including a $270,000 behavioral health contract, accepted the resignation of Anne Costello, and approved the 2026 Legislative Priorities. The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
- Approved Consent Agenda (5-0)
- Approved $270,000 Behavioral Health Allies contract (5-0)
- Accepted resignation of Anne Costello (5-0)
- Approved October 27, 2025 Personnel Report (5-0)
- Approved monthly vouchers for 10/11/2025 through 10/17/2025 (5-0)
- Accepted meeting minutes (5-0)
- Approved 2026 Legislative Priorities (5-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 8:40 p.m. (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted (5 roll-call votes)
Board Report(s) Meeting
The Lawrence school board is meeting to act on a consent agenda that includes a $211,200 contract with ACI Boland Architects for renovating the Choice Campus at Centennial. Other consent items are a $30,461 change order for exterior work at Billy Mills Middle School and $58,050 in HVAC repairs at Liberty Memorial Central Middle School. The board also plans a closed executive session on personnel matters and will hear reports from the superintendent and board president.
- Approval of $211,200 proposal from ACI Boland Architects for planning, design, and engineering services for the Choice Campus at Centennial renovation
- Change order of $30,461 to B.A. Green Construction for additional exterior structural work at Billy Mills Middle School
- Approval of $58,050 quote from Kruse Corporation for HVAC repairs at Liberty Memorial Central Middle School to address refrigerant leaks and prepare for winter
- Executive session of 20 minutes to discuss personnel matters of non-elected staff
- Adoption of the full consent agenda as routine business
The Lawrence Board of Education approved the meeting agenda and the entire consent agenda. It authorized a $211,200 contract with ACI Boland Architects for the Choice Campus renovation, a $30,461 change order for Billy Mills Middle School exterior work, and a $58,050 HVAC repair contract for Liberty Memorial Central Middle School. The board also approved the purchase of the Atlas Curriculum Management System, the 2025‑2026 Student Handbook Framework, and the Board Policy GAACB – Employee Whistleblower on second reading.
- Approved meeting agenda (all six members voted yes)
- Approved consent agenda items (all six members voted yes)
- Approved $211,200 architectural services for Choice Campus at Centennial (all six members voted yes)
- Approved $30,461 change order for exterior work at Billy Mills Middle School (all six members voted yes)
- Approved $58,050 HVAC repair contract for Liberty Memorial Central Middle School (all six members voted yes)
- Approved purchase of Atlas Curriculum Management System, up to $150,000 over five years (all six members voted yes)
- Approved the 2025‑2026 Student Handbook Framework (all six members voted yes)
- Approved Board Policy GAACB – Employee Whistleblower on second reading (all six members voted yes)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Board Report(s) Meeting
The Lawrence Public Schools Board will discuss and likely approve several consent agenda items, including a transition from BoardDocs to Diligent Community platform at $12,500/year plus a $1,000 data transfer fee, and a $408,500 chiller replacement at Lawrence High School. A change order for solar panels at Sunflower Elementary for $6,833 is also on the agenda. The board will hear a student update on the Sister Cities exchange program to Japan.
- Transition from BoardDocs to Diligent Community platform at $12,500 annual subscription plus $1,000 data transfer fee
- Acceptance of $408,500 bid for chiller replacement equipment at Lawrence High School
- Change order for Sunflower Elementary solar system installation increasing contract to $252,603.16
- Student presentation on Sister Cities exchange program with Hiratsuka, Japan
The Board of Education approved a tentative agreement with the LEA for Education Support Professionals. Additional actions included approving various capital project plans, software transitions, and equipment bids.
- Approved LEA-ESP tentative agreement including a 5.97% salary pool increase (7-0)
- Approved $408,500 total cost for Lawrence High School chiller replacement (7-0)
- Approved $6,833.16 change order for Sunflower Elementary solar installation (7-0)
- Approved transition to Diligent Community platform at $12,500 annual cost plus $1,000 fee (7-0)
- Approved Sogolytics purchase at $19,900 annually for three years (7-0)
- Approved Lucet Employee Assistance Program renewal for $47,550.72 (7-0)
- Approved bond refunding resolution contingent on $1.5 million savings target (7-0)
- Approved planning for Choice Centennial Campus and Langston Hughes Elementary classrooms (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (5 roll-call votes)
Board Report(s) Meeting
The board held budget hearings and approved a resolution authorizing USD 497 to exceed the revenue neutral tax rates for the 2025-2026 budget year. They also approved the purchase of Dell desktop towers and laptops for up to $235,000 from technology capital outlay funds, and recessed into executive sessions to discuss personnel matters.
- Approval of Revenue Neutral Rate Resolution to exceed tax rates for 2025-2026
- Purchase of Dell desktop towers and laptops from Dell Technologies for up to $235,000
- Open and close budget hearings for revenue neutral rate and 2025-2026 budget
- Recess to executive sessions for personnel matters (total 35 minutes)
- Recognition of Rodney Eklund for 13 years of service
The Board of Education approved the 2025-2026 budget and a resolution to exceed revenue neutral tax rates. Additionally, the board approved participation in a tax rebate for the 9 Dell II apartment project.
- Approved Revenue Neutral Rate Resolution (7-0)
- Approved September 8, 2025 agenda (7-0)
- Approved Consent Agenda (7-0)
- Approved purchase of Dell computers up to $235,000 (7-0)
- Approved secondary level Esports program implementation (7-0)
- Authorized settlement negotiations for workers' compensation case (7-0)
- Approved August 25, 2025 Personnel Report (7-0)
- Adopted 2025-2026 budget (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Board Report(s) Meeting
The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education held a Board Report(s) meeting on August 25, 2025, covering reports and consent agenda items. The board approved routine items including a Webex subscription renewal, additional eDynamic Learning licenses, monthly vouchers, personnel report, and meeting minutes. They also recessed into executive session for contract negotiations.
- Approved one-year Webex Meeting subscription with Logicalis, Inc. for $65,400 from technology fund
- Approved purchase of 261 additional eDynamic Learning student licenses for $37,584 from virtual school fund
- Approved summary of district and school disbursements for Aug 2–15, 2025
- Approved the August 25, 2025 Personnel Report
- Recessed to executive session for employer-employee negotiations (contract discussions)
The Board of Education approved the meeting agenda and several items within the consent agenda. These included a Webex subscription renewal, student license purchases for eDynamic Learning, and monthly vouchers.
- Approved August 25, 2025 agenda (7-0)
- Approved recess to executive session for contract negotiations (7-0)
- Approved Consent Agenda (7-0)
- Approved $65,400.00 Webex Meeting subscription renewal (7-0)
- Approved $37,584.00 for eDynamic Learning student licenses (7-0)
- Approved monthly district and school disbursements (7-0)
- Approved August 25, 2025 Personnel Report (7-0)
- Approved meeting minutes (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
Board Report(s) Meeting
The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education held a Board Report(s) Meeting on August 11, 2025. The board adopted the consent agenda, which included several routine items such as software renewals, playground repairs at Hillcrest Elementary School, and a contract for special education services. The meeting also featured reports from the superintendent and board president, along with board commentary.
- Renewal of LaserFiche software from SumnerOne for $30,380
- Annual renewal of Follet Destiny Resource Management software for $20,925.36
- Playground surface repairs at Hillcrest Elementary School via Aspire 2 Play, LLC for $24,398.55
- Contract with Cornerstones of Care Services for special education services estimated at $50,000
The Board of Education approved the publication of maximum mill levies and budget authorities for the 2025-26 school year. Public hearings are scheduled for September 8, 2025. The Board also approved several software renewals and facility repairs via a consent agenda.
- Approved 2025-26 budget publication and mill levy notices (6-0)
- Approved $30,380 LaserFiche software renewal (6-0)
- Approved $20,925.36 Follet Destiny software renewal (6-0)
- Approved $24,398.55 playground repairs at Hillcrest Elementary (6-0)
- Approved estimated $50,000 contract with Cornerstones of Care Services (6-0)
- Approved financial reports ending June 30, 2025 (6-0)
- Approved district and school disbursements from 07/19/2025 to 08/01/2025 (6-0)
- Approved August 11, 2025 Personnel Report (6-0)
Board Report(s) Meeting
The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education is meeting to consider and vote on a proposed district facility rental fee structure for the 2025-2026 school year, covering classrooms, gyms, libraries, and other spaces at varying rates for non-profit and for-profit groups. The meeting also includes special recognitions for runLawrence and community volunteer Doris Ricks, a motion for a 15-minute executive session on personnel matters, and approval of the consent agenda containing routine items.
- Approval of 2025-2026 facility rental fee structure: classrooms $10/hr (non-profit), $15/hr (for-profit); elementary gyms $15/hr (non-profit), $25/hr (for-profit); high school gyms $40/hr (non-profit), $50/hr (for-profit)
- Special recognition: runLawrence receives 2025 Outstanding Service to Public Education Award for supporting school marathon clubs and Woodlawn Elementary
- Special recognition: Doris Ricks receives 2025 Outstanding Citizen Award for service on Equity Advisory Council and other district committees
- Motion to recess into executive session for 15 minutes to discuss personnel matters under non-elected personnel exception (KOMA)
- Approval of consent agenda including routine items adopted by one motion
The Board of Education approved a consent agenda including significant expenditures for special education staffing and software renewals. The board also authorized a new facility rental fee structure for the 2025-2026 school year.
- Approved $4.5M for special education contracted services staffing (7-0)
- Approved 2025-2026 District Facility Rental Fee Structure (7-0)
- Approved $100,000 contract with BrightStar Contracted Services (7-0)
- Approved $200,000 security software renewal with ConvergeOne (7-0)
- Approved $210,000 for annual printing maintenance and supplies from SumnerONE (7-0)
- Approved $66,825 for 4,500 sets of elementary headphones (7-0)
- Approved $34,000 elevator service agreement with KONE, Inc. (7-0)
- Authorized settlement negotiations for a worker's compensation case (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Organizational/Board Business Meeting
The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education held its organizational meeting, electing GR Gordon-Ross as president and Bob Byers as vice president for the 2025-2026 year. The board also approved routine appointments including clerk, treasurer, and authorized representatives, adopted the meeting schedule, and designated official newspapers.
- Elected GR Gordon-Ross as president and Bob Byers as vice president
- Appointed Nikki Naumann as Clerk of the Board and Cynde Frick as District Treasurer for 2025-2026
- Adopted the board meeting schedule for 2025-2026 school year at 110 McDonald Drive
- Designated Lawrence Journal-World and Lawrence Times as official newspapers
- Approved list of authorized representatives including attendance officers for each school
The Board of Education elected new leadership and approved a comprehensive consent agenda for the 2025-2026 school year. Decisions included the appointment of district officers, adoption of the meeting schedule, and several software renewals.
- Elected GR Gordon-Ross as Board President (6-0)
- Elected Bob Byers as Board Vice President (6-0)
- Approved 2025-2026 appointments for Clerk of the Board, District Treasurer, Deputy Clerk, and Deputy Treasurer (6-0)
- Adopted 2025-2026 board meeting schedule (6-0)
- Approved $28,444.50 for FMX software renewal (6-0)
- Approved estimated $350,000 for PowerSchool software renewals (6-0)
- Approved $66,215.86 for Microsoft license renewals through CDW-G (6-0)
- Approved estimated $104,500 for Mosyle Manager software renewal (6-0)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Special Board Meeting
The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education held a special meeting on June 27, 2025, at the Facilities and Operations building. The board voted unanimously to go into a 15-minute executive session to discuss contract negotiations with district administrators, citing the employer-employee negotiations exception under KOMA. No public comment was taken. The board then returned to open session and adjourned.
- Motion for executive session to discuss negotiations passed 7–0
- Administrators invited: Superintendent Dr. Jeanice Kerr Swift, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Larry Englebrick, Executive Director of Finance Cynde Frick, and Assistant Superintendent Kristen Ryan
- Board President Kelly Jones called the special meeting per Policy BCAC
The board met for a special session to discuss employer-employee contract negotiations. The meeting consisted of procedural actions and a 15-minute executive session; no substantive policy or financial decisions were made.
- Approved the meeting agenda (7-0)
- Approved recess to executive session for contract negotiations (7-0)
- Approved adjournment of the meeting (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Special Board Meeting - Board Retreat
The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education met in a special board retreat on June 24, 2025, at 711 E 23rd St. The board approved the agenda and then held multiple executive sessions under the attorney-client privilege (totaling 55 minutes) and a 30-minute session to discuss personnel matters, specifically the evaluation of the superintendent. No public comment was allowed. The board also reviewed its own self-evaluation and discussed changes to the board manual.
- Approved the agenda for the special meeting
- Executive session for attorney-client privileged discussion with administrators and counsel (15 minutes)
- Second executive session for attorney-client privileged discussion (30 minutes)
- Third executive session for attorney-client privileged discussion (10 minutes)
- Executive session for personnel matters / superintendent evaluation (30 minutes)
The board held a special meeting and retreat consisting primarily of executive sessions and procedural items. No substantive policy or financial decisions were recorded.
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
- Entered executive session for attorney-client privileged matters (7-0)
- Entered executive session for attorney-client privileged matters (7-0)
- Entered executive session for attorney-client privileged matters (7-0)
- Entered executive session for attorney-client privileged matters (7-0)
- Adjourned meeting (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
Board Report(s) Meeting
The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education approved a consent agenda that includes a $0.10 per meal price increase for students and adults paying full price for the 2025-2026 school year, and renewed the excess workers' compensation insurance policy with an annual premium of $71,113. The board also recognized outgoing Board President Kelly Jones for her 2024-2025 term leadership and approved personnel reports, monthly vouchers, and meeting minutes.
- Approved $0.10 meal price increase for 2025-2026 (elementary lunch to $3.10, high school lunch to $3.35)
- Approved excess workers' compensation insurance renewal at $71,113 for July 2025–June 2026
- Approved summary of district disbursements for June 5–18, 2025
- Approved June 23, 2025 Personnel Report
- Recognized Board President Kelly Jones for service since 2018 and 2024-2025 term leadership
The Board of Education approved a $0.10 increase for student and adult full-price meals for the 2025-2026 school year. The board also approved several insurance renewals, software licenses, and a memorandum of understanding with the University of Kansas.
- Approved $0.10 meal price increase for full-price students and adults (7-0)
- Approved $1,395,144.77 for 2025-2026 property, liability, and educator's legal liability insurance (7-0)
- Approved $71,113 for excess workers' compensation insurance policy (7-0)
- Approved $55,500 to Thomas McGee Group for workers' compensation administration (7-0)
- Approved MOU with University of Kansas for concurrent enrollment (7-0)
- Approved $39,110.62 for middle school football uniforms (7-0)
- Approved $15,000 increase to BrightStar Staffing contract (7-0)
- Approved first reading of amendments to Board Policy GAE - Complaints (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Board Business Meeting
The Lawrence school board will vote on a consent agenda that includes approval of an audit engagement letter with Gordon CPA Auditing Accounting Consulting for $25,850 plus $2,700 per major program for the single audit, a three-year lease of the former Wakarusa Valley Elementary School to Greenbush for $6,835.58 per month, and routine financial and personnel reports. The board will also receive reports from the superintendent and board president.
- Approve audit engagement with Gordon CPA for $25,850 plus single audit cost of $2,700 per major program
- Approve lease of former Wakarusa Valley Elementary School to Greenbush for $6,835.58 per month for three years
- Approve monthly vouchers for period 05/22/2025 – 06/04/2025
- Approve financial reports for periods ending March 31 and April 30, 2025
- Approve June 9, 2025 Personnel Report
The Board of Education met for a business meeting where the only formal action taken was the approval of the meeting agenda. The remainder of the session consisted of reports from the Superintendent, Board President, and various committees.
- Approved the June 9, 2025 meeting agenda (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Board Report(s) Meeting
The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education held a Board Report(s) Meeting on May 27, 2025. The board approved consent agenda items including a new handwriting curriculum, HVAC software and controllers for the Educational Support Center, and fire sprinkler repairs at multiple schools. Routine personnel, vouchers, and minutes were also approved.
- Purchase of Handwriting Without Tears program not to exceed $70,000
- Purchase and installation of Alerton Compass software and controllers for ESC HVAC for $38,700
- Fire sprinkler head repairs at multiple district buildings by Jayhawk Fire Sprinkler Co. for $46,458
- Approval of monthly vouchers for disbursements May 8-21, 2025
- Approval of personnel report and meeting minutes
The Board of Education met to receive reports from the Superintendent and Board President. No substantive policy or financial decisions were recorded other than the approval of the meeting agenda.
- Approved the May 27, 2025 meeting agenda (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Board Business Meeting
The Lawrence school board approved a consent agenda that includes $1,047,015.48 in roofing repairs and replacements at multiple sites, along with routine approvals of personnel, monthly vouchers, and donations. A motion to hold a 30-minute executive session for contract negotiations failed with no board members present for the vote. The board also heard a student presentation from Sunflower Elementary's first graders on their fundraising project.
- Approved roofing bids totaling $1,047,015.48 for seven locations, funded by Capital Outlay
- Approved donation report for April 2025 (items $250+)
- Approved monthly vouchers for April 24 – May 7, 2025
- Approved May 12, 2025 personnel report
- Motion for executive session to discuss superintendent contract failed
The Board of Education approved the meeting agenda and held two executive sessions to discuss employer-employee contract negotiations. No substantive policy or financial decisions were recorded in the open session.
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
- Approved motion to recess to Executive Session for contract negotiations (7-0)
- Approved motion to extend Executive Session for contract negotiations (5-0)
Board Report(s) Meeting
The board approved consent agenda items including the renewal of medical/dental/vision plans at $832.81 per employee per month, an estimated $1.8 million increase, and change orders for classroom renovations at Community Connections at Pinckney. The superintendent provided a student, staff, and school safety update. Other routine items such as meeting minutes, personnel report, and monthly vouchers were also approved.
- Renewal of medical/dental/vision insurance plans effective Sept 1, 2025, at $832.81/month per employee, estimated $1.8M district cost increase
- Approved Change Order Proposals No. 1 and No. 2 from BA Green Construction, LLC, for $839, revised contract $306,174 for Pinckney classroom renovation
- Authorized a 3% contingency of $9,160 for the Pinckney renovation project
- Approved summary of district and school disbursements for April 10-23, 2025
- Superintendent report included student, staff, and school safety update
The Board of Education approved the meeting agenda. The remainder of the meeting consisted of reports from the Superintendent, Board President, and committee members regarding district activities and student achievements.
- Approved the April 28, 2025 meeting agenda (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
Board Business Meeting
The Board of Education met for a business meeting with a consent agenda including approval of monthly vouchers, financial reports, donations, and meeting minutes. Two executive sessions on personnel matters were held prior. The board also heard reports from the superintendent and board president. No substantive policy changes or public hearings were on the agenda.
- Approval of monthly vouchers for disbursements March 20 – April 9, 2025
- Approval of financial reports (cash summary, budget to actual, donations/grants, petty cash) for period ending February 28, 2025
- Approval of donations received March 1–31, 2025
- Approval of March 24, 2025 meeting minutes
- Executive sessions for discussing personnel matters
The board approved the meeting agenda and entered executive session four times to discuss personnel matters. No other substantive actions were taken during the meeting.
- Approved the April 14, 2025 meeting agenda (7-0)
- Approved recess to Executive Session for personnel matters (6-0, 1 abstain)
- Approved second recess to Executive Session for personnel matters (7-0)
- Approved extension of Executive Session for personnel matters (7-0)
- Approved second extension of Executive Session for personnel matters (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Board Report(s) Meeting
The Lawrence school board met on March 24, 2025, for a Board Report(s) Meeting. The board approved a consent agenda including routine items such as meeting minutes, a personnel report, monthly vouchers, an AED exchange for $34,910.35, and a $417,721 asphalt and concrete maintenance project at Cordley, Kennedy, Sunflower, and Sunset Hill Elementary Schools and Lawrence High School. The board also held a 30-minute executive session regarding attorney-client privileged matters.
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, personnel report, and monthly vouchers
- Approved $34,910.35 exchange of 17 Philips HeartStart FRx AEDs with backup batteries and pads
- Approved $417,721 asphalt and concrete maintenance contract with Byrne & Jones Construction at Cordley, Kennedy, Sunflower, Sunset Hill Elementary and Lawrence High School
The Board of Education approved a consent agenda including personnel reports, monthly vouchers, and the purchase of new AED equipment. The meeting also included reports on student achievements and legislative updates regarding special education funding.
- Approved agenda for March 24, 2025 meeting (7-0)
- Approved Consent Agenda (7-0)
- Approved March 10, 2025 meeting minutes (7-0)
- Approved March 24, 2025 Personnel Report (7-0)
- Approved district and school disbursements for 03/06/2025 through 03/19/2025 (7-0)
- Approved $34,910.35 quote from AED Brands for 17 new Philips HeartStart FRx AEDs, batteries, and pads (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Board Business Meeting
The Board of Education conducted a business meeting to approve routine consent agenda items. The board reviewed financial reports, district disbursements, and personnel updates.
- Termination of the certified contract of Mark Gridley, effective immediately
- Approval of district and school disbursements for the period of 02/20/2025 through 03/05/2025
- Approval of financial reports for the period ending January 31, 2025
- Approval of donations received from 02/01/2025 through 02/28/2025
- Executive session held for 15 minutes to discuss personnel matters
The Board of Education approved the March 10 personnel report and district disbursements for the period of February 20 through March 5, 2025. The meeting also included reports on student achievements, grant awards for school gardens and prairies, and legislative updates regarding K-12 funding.
- Approved the March 10, 2025 agenda (7-0)
- Approved recess to Executive Session for personnel matters (7-0)
- Approved Consent Agenda (7-0)
- Approved February 24, 2025 meeting minutes (7-0)
- Approved March 10, 2025 Personnel Report (7-0)
- Approved district and school disbursements from 02/20/2025 through 03/05/2025 (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
Board Report(s) Meeting
The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education will meet on February 24, 2025, to act on a consent agenda that includes the purchase of seven vehicles from Laird Noller Automotive Inc. for $368,192 using Capital Outlay funds. The board will also consider a resolution to terminate the employment contract of Mark Gridley and adopt modifications to public comment procedures after second reading. Routine items include approval of minutes, personnel report, and monthly vouchers.
- Purchase of seven vehicles from Laird Noller Automotive Inc. for $368,192
- Resolution to terminate employment contract of Mark Gridley
- Second reading and adoption of modifications to public comment and public content procedures
- Approval of monthly vouchers for period 02/06/2025-02/19/2025
- Approval of personnel report for February 24, 2025
The Board of Education approved several capital expenditures, including new district vehicles and playground equipment. The Superintendent announced new leadership roles for the director of equity and family engagement and the principal of Quail Run Elementary. The board also approved a personnel report and a contract termination.
- Approved purchase of seven vehicles from Laird Noller Automotive Inc. for $368,192 (7-0)
- Approved $52,287.32 agreement with ABcreative for Sunflower Elementary playground equipment (7-0)
- Approved resolution to terminate employment contract of Mark Gridley (7-0)
- Approved February 24, 2025 Personnel Report (7-0)
- Approved district and school disbursements for 02/06/2025 through 02/19/2025 (7-0)
- Adopted modifications to standing Opening Items regarding Public Content and Public Comment (7-0)
- Approved meeting minutes from February 10 and February 11, 2025 (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Special Board Meeting
This special board meeting was held solely to recess into executive session for discussing personnel matters related to the superintendent search. The board approved two executive sessions (45 minutes and 15 minutes) with no public comment or subsequent action. The agenda contained only procedural items, with all motions passing unanimously.
- Executive session to discuss superintendent search under KOMA non-elected personnel exception (45 min and 15 min sessions)
The Board of Education held a special meeting focused on the search for a superintendent of schools. The board entered executive session three times to discuss personnel matters, but no formal actions were taken following these sessions.
- Approved the meeting agenda (7-0)
- Approved three separate recesses into executive session for personnel matters (7-0)
- Adjourned the meeting (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
Board Business Meeting
The Board of Education conducted a business meeting to review financial reports and personnel matters. The board approved a consent agenda including district disbursements and meeting minutes.
- Approval of district and school disbursements for the period of 01/23/2025 through 02/05/2025
- Approval of the February 10, 2025 Personnel Report
- Approval of financial reports for the period ending December 31, 2024
- Recognition of Cordley Elementary's Black Lives Matter at School Action Week
- Executive session held for 20 minutes to discuss personnel matters
The Board of Education approved the meeting agenda and conducted two executive sessions to discuss personnel matters. No substantive policy or budgetary decisions were recorded; the meeting primarily consisted of reports from the superintendent and board members.
- Approved meeting agenda (6-0)
- Approved recess to Executive Session for personnel matters (6-0)
- Approved extension of Executive Session for personnel matters (7-0)
- Approved amending the agenda to move Public Comment to the end
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Board Report(s) Meeting
The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education held a work session and regular meeting that was largely procedural. The board approved the consent agenda (minutes, personnel report, monthly vouchers) and held two executive sessions to discuss school security and attorney-client privileged matters.
- Approved consent agenda including meeting minutes, personnel report, and monthly vouchers
- Held executive session on school security under KOMA exception
- Held executive session on attorney-client privileged matters
- Received superintendent report and board committee reports
- Allowed public comment period
The Board of Education approved the meeting agenda and the consent agenda, including the January 13, 2025, meeting minutes. The board held two executive sessions regarding school security and attorney-client privileged matters, with no action following. The remainder of the meeting consisted of reports and information sharing.
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
- Approved motion to recess to Executive Session for school security (7-0)
- Approved motion to recess to Executive Session for attorney-client privileged matters (7-0)
- Approved Consent Agenda (7-0)
- Approved January 13, 2025 Regular Board Meeting Minutes (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Special Board Meeting
The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education meets in a special session to receive a status update from the Kansas Association of School Boards on the superintendent search. KASB will present findings from focus groups and a community survey. No public comment is scheduled for this meeting.
- Superintendent search update presented by KASB with focus group and survey analysis
- Attached documents include focus group summary, survey results, salary comparison, and timeline
- No public comment allowed; future meeting will accept public input on superintendent selection
- Agenda approved unanimously by board members present
The Board of Education received a report from the Kansas Association of School Boards regarding community input for the superintendent search. The report detailed desired candidate characteristics and a timeline for selecting a long-term superintendent in March.
- Approved the meeting agenda (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Board Business Meeting
The Lawrence Board of Education will consider approving a $60,000 contract with AMN Healthcare to provide special education services for the 2024-2025 school year. The board will also vote on a consent agenda including routine items like meeting minutes, personnel report, monthly vouchers, and donations.
- Contract with AMN Healthcare for $60,000 to provide special education related services required by student IEPs
- Approval of monthly vouchers for disbursements from 12/05/2024 to 01/08/2025
- Acceptance of donations received in December 2024 ($250 or more)
- Approval of personnel report for January 13, 2025
The Board of Education approved the meeting agenda, the December 9, 2024 minutes, and the January 13, 2025 personnel report. The board also approved monthly vouchers and a donation report for December 2024. No other substantive policy decisions were recorded.
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
- Approved December 9, 2024 meeting minutes (7-0)
- Approved January 13, 2025 Personnel Report (7-0)
- Approved district and school disbursements for 12/05/2024 through 01/08/2025 (7-0)
- Approved donations received from 12/01/2024 through 12/31/2024 (7-0)