Bottom Line

The board is expected to give final approval to enactment of a “late-arrival” program at Lawrence High School, Free State High School and Lawrence Alternative High School.

Under the proposal, classes would start about 90 minutes late once a month during the school year. That time would be used for faculty meetings designed to support school-improvement activities.

The board will also consider recommendations for up to $5 million in budget cuts or fee increases that may be necessary to balance the 2002-2003 budget.

Background

On a voice vote, the board agreed Feb. 25 to give tentative approval to the proposal.

The Lawrence principals say the number of before-school and after-school activities involving faculty makes it nearly impossible to arrange meetings with the teaching staff.

Other school districts have turned to the late-start model to create time for professional development.

A predicted shortfall in state funding for public schools leaves the district needing to find places to trim its budget.

Other business

Receive comments by Sue Morgan, school board president; Randy Weseman, school superintendent, and board members.

Receive an update on work of DLR Group, a consulting firm hired by the district to conduct a study of school facilities.

Consider on final action a proposal to create a “late-start” program at the district’s high schools to permit faculty to meet on a regular basis.

Consider a $14,694 contract with Wenger Music Supply, Owatonna, Minn., to consolidate storage of sheet music at district headquarters.

Consider a $17,253 contract with Hicks-Ashby Co. of Lenexa for library furniture at Deerfield, Prairie Park, Quail Run and Sunflower schools, Southwest Junior High School and Free State High School.

Consider authorization of $34,911 to NCS Pearson of Chicago for software upgrades to the district’s student information computer system.

Consider a $45,290 contract with R.D. Johnson Excavating Co. of Lawrence to resurface the parking lot at the district’s facilities and operations facility.

Consider the purchase of a $17,125 John Deere 1445 riding mower with four-wheel drive, snow blade and canopy from Heritage Tractor of Baldwin.

Consider a $15,521 contract with Wenger Corp. of Owatonna, Minn., for purchase and installation of instrument storage lockers at Lawrence High School.

Consider contracts of $54,990 with K & S Roofing of Pleasant Hill, Mo., for roof work at Centennial School, $54,930 with Diamond- Everley Roofing of Lawrence for roof work at Sunset Hill School and LHS.

Consider approval of a $11,845 purchase contract with Jim Clark Leasing of Topeka for a 1998 Dodge van for use in the special-education program.

Consider recommendations for up to $5 million in budget cuts or fee increases that may be necessary to balance the 2002-2003 budget.