Lawrence school board to vote on yearly goals

The Lawrence school board will vote at its Monday meeting on whether to approve its yearly goals, a list that includes investigating topics such as recess, start times and a foreign language magnet, as well as specific actions such as putting in place ways to ensure equal access to technology for students.

Equal access to technology for students both at school and at home has been highlighted as the district expands digital content in classrooms. Potential plans include portable hot spots, devices for checkout and keeping school libraries open after hours.

At their Aug. 10 meeting, school board members discussed and approved a preliminary draft of the year’s goals. The goals include six broad areas of improvement, such as student achievement, student wellness and programs and services. Each goal area has anywhere from a few to more than a dozen “action steps,” or specific ways the district plans to work toward each goal.

Lawrence schools Superintendent Rick Doll will bring the item to the school board, with a recommended motion that it approve the final draft of the goals.

Currently listed as part of the consent agenda is the approval of inspection services for upcoming bond construction projects at four schools: Sunset Hill, Kennedy, Woodlawn and Lawrence High School. Kyle Hayden, assistant superintendent of business and operations, will bring the item to the school board, with a recommended motion that it approve the inspection services agreements with three companies, in a total amount not to exceed $30,800.

Attention was drawn to the inspection process for the district’s bond construction projects after a child was injured at the construction site of New York Elementary last month.

In other business Monday, the school board will vote to accept the transfer from the City of Lawrence of 1.38 acres of property at Clinton Park, which is adjacent to Pinckney School. Terms for the transfer include a “no build” easement and a “right of first refusal” clause to the city in the deed.

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