photo by: Mackenzie Clark/Journal-World File Photo

The Lawrence Board of Education meeting room at district offices, 110 McDonald Drive, is pictured in this file photo from Feb. 25, 2019.

The Lawrence school board will soon receive its first update on the progress of its new five-year strategic plan.

Superintendent Anthony Lewis is scheduled to provide the update to the school board during its meeting Monday.

The overall purpose of the strategic plan, which the board approved in June, is to help increase district students’ literacy by third grade, increase students’ math proficiency by eighth grade, narrow achievement gaps among student groups, increase high school completion and improve student postgraduation success in college or career.

The plan’s five strategic themes are effective and committed employees; guaranteed and cohesive curriculum; student-centered learning; social/emotional support for students; and data-informed decisions. The plan calls for several initiatives attached to each theme to be conducted within three phases.

Lewis previously said he would provide the school board with regular updates on the progress of the plan. He told the Journal-World in August the plan will help tackle important issues in the school district, including students bringing weapons to schools.

Also during the meeting, the board will consider purchasing visitor management software and related accessories from Hall Pass School Visitor Management.

School district staff suggested the purchase to help schools track and monitor visitors to their buildings. If approved, the $69,000 purchase would be paid through the district’s capital outlay funds.

Prior to the regular meeting, the board will meet for a work session with representatives for McCownGordon Construction for an update on their work renovating Lawrence High School.

The board meets at 5 p.m. at the school district’s administrative offices, 110 McDonald Drive. Full agendas can be found on the district’s website, usd497.org.