photo by: Josie Heimsoth/Journal-World

The Lawrence school district offices building, located at 110 McDonald Dr., is pictured in May 2025.

The Lawrence school board is set to consider architectural service contracts for two large capital projects totaling $1 million.

On Monday, board members will consider approving contracts for renovations at the former Centennial Elementary School building, 2145 Louisiana St., and the expansion of Langston Hughes Elementary, 1101 George Williams Way.

Altogether, the projects are anticipated to cost $1,040,206 – $829,006 for the expansion of Langston Hughes and $211,200 for renovations to Centennial – and would be scheduled to open in August 2026. The school district previously said it would use capital outlay funds that would not create a need for additional tax revenue.

School board members will consider the architectural and engineering fee proposals from ACI Boland Architects and Lankford/Fendler and Associates Consulting Engineers Inc. for the expansion of Langston Hughes. The total for these services amounts to $829,006.

ACI Boland Architects has submitted a proposal totaling $589,000 for Langston Hughes to provide comprehensive planning, architectural, interior design, engineering, and cost estimating services. The firm will lead the full design and construction phases for the planned addition to Langston Hughes.

The project’s scope includes the construction of seven new classrooms, support spaces, expansion of the dining commons, and a partial reconfiguration of the drives and parking areas on the east side of the building, according to the meeting agenda.

Lankford/Fendler and Associates Consulting Engineers Inc. has a proposal for Langston Hughes for $164,642.50 to provide mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection engineering services. To cover any unforeseen costs or incidental expenses related to architectural and engineering services, a 10% contingency of $75,364.25 is recommended.

In addition, board members will consider a contract for renovations at the Centennial building, where a new high school program called “Choice Campus at Centennial” will be housed. This contract provides planning, architectural, interior design, engineering and cost estimating services from ACI Boland Architects in the amount of $211,200.

The Choice Campus at Centennial would offer alternative high school programming in the day and evening. It would fit the needs of students who want a “nontraditional” approach, and it could be used for students who want to earn more credits to graduate sooner or students who need to recover credits to stay on target to graduate in four years.

As of Friday, all of the items being considered by school board members are included on the consent agenda, where items are typically approved in a single motion. No old business, new business or reports are currently on the agenda for Monday.

In other business on the consent agenda, school board members will:

• Consider approving the student handbook framework for the 2025-2026 school year. The district’s student handbook encompasses the general rules and guidelines regarding attendance and education within the Lawrence school district. According to the agenda, “updates include nominal adjustments to ensure accuracy.”

• Consider approving an additional $30,461 to complete additional exterior maintenance work at Billy Mills Middle School. At the board’s March 24 meeting, board members approved a $336,101 bid from B.A. Green Construction Co. Inc., plus a 10% contingency of $33,610 for work at Billy Mills and New York Elementary. Some of the contingency funds have already been used, and at Billy Mills, additional structural support is needed and the cost exceeds the remaining contingency.

• Consider approving a quote from Kruse Corporation in the amount of $58,050 for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning repairs at Liberty Memorial Central Middle School. The agenda said the HVAC system at the school is 12 years old and is beginning to show signs of wear. Over the summer, routine maintenance and various repairs were completed; however, additional work remains, particularly in nine classrooms and needs to be addressed before colder weather sets in.

• Consider approving the purchase of an Atlas Curriculum Management System to manage all current and future pre-K-12 curriculum. The five-year contract will be paid incrementally at $30,000 annually and will not exceed $150,000.

• Hold an executive session to discuss personnel matters of nonelected personnel with possible action to follow.

The board will meet at 6 p.m. Monday at the district offices, 110 McDonald Drive. Residents who want to share comments with the board may sign up in advance by emailing PublicComment@usd497.org by noon Monday and may participate in person or via Webex video/phone conferencing. The meeting will also be available via the school district’s YouTube channel.