The Lawrence school board on Monday gave the green light to several small construction projects at area schools.

Students at Central Junior High will get a new spot to relax outside during lunch.

The board approved the construction of an outdoor student break area in what currently is a rocky patch on the school’s southeastern side.

“This is really going to be an enhancement for the whole neighborhood,” board member Rich Minder said.

The district will contribute $9,300 to the $14,000 project, with other support coming from donated labor and fundraisers.

The board approved about $65,000 for the expansion of a straightaway on the track at South Junior High. The approval means that by summertime, students at South will have a track that is the same as those at West and Southwest junior high schools.

For both projects, the district used funds from its 2005 bond issue.

The board also approved giving an additional $6,300 to construct a bus turn-off lane at Lawrence High. The funds will come from capital outlay.

“I think this is going to enhance the safety of our students, so it’s about time we did this,” board member Scott Morgan said.

In other business, the board accepted its latest audit, which revealed no major issues, said Kathy Johnson, the district’s division director of finance.

Superintendent Randy Weseman pointed out that the audit is one of many audits the district receives.

“We are the second-largest employer in the city,” he said. “Our business practices and the management of our business is something we spend a lot of time on.”