All eight candidates for Lawrence school board Saturday endorsed expansion of the district’s vocational-technical programs.

The method of achieving that goal was disputed.

Incumbent Sue Morgan said the district’s proposed $59 million bond contained $6.8 million to create an expanded Lawrence Alternative High School.

The plan is to add vocational-technical facilities to that building with money from a subsequent bond issue, she said.

“My goal is to have a vo-tech facility in the district,” she said.

Candidate Cille King said lack of funding in this bond for vocational and technical education facilities was a reason for voters to reject it Tuesday.

She also criticized the district for designing Free State High School without woodworking and auto mechanics facilities.

“They (Free State students) always have to go to Lawrence High School,” King said.

Candidate Rich Minder said an improved vocational-technical program should be based on careful consideration of future needs in specialized trades. It must reflect input from Lawrence’s business leaders, he said.

“How does it relate to our community’s own economic development strategy?” he said.

Candidates addressed the topic at a forum at the Lawrence Arts Center. It was sponsored by the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce. About 50 people attended the one-hour program.

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On Tuesday, voters will decide the bond issue question and pick four board members from the slate of eight candidates. The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.