It’s a critical moment for the city.

That’s how one Lawrence resident assesses the current community discussion on the future of Lawrence school facilities.

It’s a moment that will shape Lawrence’s public education, its neighborhoods — even its growth — for decades to come.

The World Company considers it a critical moment, too. And with “Books & Mortar: Studying the School Bond,” our reporters and editors will provide the information necessary to help voters make an informed decision when they vote for or against the bond issue April 1.

Today, we begin a three-week series of stories in the Journal-World, on 6News and at www.ljworld.com aimed at helping the community understand the issues behind the bond issue.

“Books & Mortar” will provide a building-by-building look at what the board’s plan would mean for each of the district’s schools. It will show where new construction would be done and will itemize the costs. It will look at the challenges facing the district as it struggles to make ends meet.

The series will introduce you to the people who have a personal stake in the election outcome.

It also will provide opportunities for discussion. The series will provide online chats to allow you to question those who formulated the plan and are backing it, those who oppose it, and those somewhere in between.

There will be pro and con columns on the newspaper’s op-ed page. Those begin today, with a look at small schools.

Readers and viewers are being encouraged to write their own accounts of how the plan affects them and their neighborhoods.

The series will culminate in a televised community forum March 26, where all of us will have a chance to discuss our hopes and concerns.

We are committed to the goal of encouraging a community conversation and providing forums for that discussion.

We believe it’s the best way to ensure that the Lawrence of the future is as attractive as the Lawrence of today.