From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Jan. 10, 1989:

Lawrence school board members today said they would give their opinions and support their positions on Jan. 23 on a solution to secondary-school overcrowding, but they would not set aside time for public comment. “We’ve had two public meetings, three study sessions, and we want everybody who wants to be in attendance to be here and listen to the discussion, but they should be aware that this is the time the board will have discussion,” said Larry Morlan, board vice president. Board member Barbara Ballard agreed that the group was within their bounds and that they had made it clear all along that public opinion was welcome at two public hearings on the matter, but that board members needed time to discuss the options without public comment right before the decision. Board members noted that the Secondary School Facilities Task Force, made up largely of community members, had sent letters to all parents in the district the previous spring, inviting their input. “I really, honestly, don’t feel we have neglected the public in any way,” said Alice Fowler, board president. Options for a solution to the overcrowding included establishing a mid-high school/senior high school by building a new secondary school for juniors and seniors, possibly in west Lawrence, and having freshmen and sophomores attend school at the existing site; establishing a second high school; adding on to the current site; or building a fourth junior high school.