Lawrence school board to review graduation rates, access to technology and bond construction

With one of its fullest agendas so far this school year, the Lawrence school board is scheduled to go over three reports and vote on three items at its meeting Monday.

District administrators will present reports on graduation rates, access to Internet and digital learning devices, and updates on bond construction to the board.

The board will review a report on the district’s 2015 graduation rates. The report will include the rate for all students, as well as each reportable student subgroup: free and reduced-price lunch, students with disabilities, English language learners and race/ethnicity designation. The report will cover Lawrence High School and Free State High School and include data from 2011 to 2015 for comparison.

For the next report, the media specialists from both high schools, along with Jerri Kemble, assistant superintendent of educational programs and technology, will present a report on access to Internet and devices for students and families. The report will review the digital devices available and the ways in which Wi-Fi access and devices are being distributed to students and families in need after school hours.

Kyle Hayden, assistant superintendent of business and operations, will present an update on bond construction. The report will focus on the bond budget for all construction projects; the additional capital outlay funds spent to support the projects; and provide a general overview of what has been accomplished at the 21 district facilities.

After the reports, board members will vote on whether to approve the facility master plan for the district’s six secondary schools and the third and final sale of bonds. Lastly, the board will vote on whether it will use a search firm to assist in the hiring of a new superintendent, as well as which firm to hire.

Hayden and Lawrence schools Superintendent Rick Doll will bring the motion on the facility master plan agreement with Gould Evans Architects. One of the board’s goals this school year was to give special attention to developing a master plan for Lawrence High, as well as analyze potential needs at all other secondary schools. The board will vote on whether to approve the Gould Evans Associates’ scope of services, schedule and fee for facility master planning.

Hayden and Kathy Johnson, director of finance, will bring the motion for the vote to approve the third sale of general obligation bonds. The bond issue will be the final series of bonds to be sold for the district’s renovation and construction projects at its facilities.

Lastly, the board will vote on whether to hire an outside search firm to help find a replacement for Doll, who is resigning at the end of the school year to take a position at Kansas State University. If it pursues that option, the board will then select one of four firms at a fee not to exceed $25,000.

The school board will meet at 7 p.m. at the district offices, 110 McDonald Drive.