photo by: Journal-World

Lawrence Public Schools district offices pictured in April 2021.

The Lawrence school board may soon replace high school band uniforms that are more than a decade old.

During its meeting on Monday, the school board will consider purchasing new uniforms for the Lawrence High School marching band for about $116,000. The band has been using the same uniforms since 2009, according to a memo in the board’s agenda.

The purchase is listed in the board’s consent agenda, which allows the board members to approve it along with several other items up for consideration without discussion.

While the district administration said in the memo that the uniforms are well cared for, they have reached the end of their 12-year replacement cycle.

“The current uniforms were purchased in 2009, thus with regular wear, it is time for them to be replaced,” the district said in the memo. “These uniforms have suited hundreds of students over the years and have been well cared for. The uniforms have been worn for many home football games and award-winning performances.”

The district sent a request for proposals to three uniform design companies, but only received one returned bid, from Fruhauf Uniforms Inc., which had provided uniforms to the district for the past 25 years. The bid also comes with a 12-year guarantee.

If the purchase is approved, the uniforms will be expected to last until 2034.

In other business, the board will also review and consider approving its 2022 legislative priorities.

Each year, the district revises its priorities for the Kansas Legislature’s upcoming session. The 2022 session is scheduled to begin on Jan. 10

According to a draft included in the board’s agenda, the district plans to request that the Kansas Legislature work to secure more federal funding to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on students, particularly helping them catch up with learning loss.

It also asks lawmakers to help advocate for more support and partnerships to meet the mental health needs of students and staff, and to work on ways to support access to affordable broadband internet service for all students, families and schools, among several other priorities.

The school board will meet at 6 p.m. Monday in the boardroom at the district offices, 110 McDonald Drive. The meeting is open to the public, but the district may limit attendance because of the pandemic.

Those who attend will be required to wear masks. The district also encourages the public to watch the meeting on Midco channel 26 or online at youtube.com/USD497.

Those who want to speak during public comment, either in person or online, must send an email to PublicComment@usd497.org before the meeting begins at 6 p.m. Additionally, anyone who wants to share comments with board members via email may send them to schoolboard@usd497.org.