photo by: Josie Heimsoth/Journal-World

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

Lawrence school board members will consider a step towards a boiler system replacement at Lawrence High School on Monday.

The proposal comes from Lankford | Fendler and Associates Consulting Engineers Inc. in the amount of $26,750 to provide consulting engineering services for the new boilers at LHS.

Monday’s agenda said the replacement to a more modern and high-efficient boiler system will reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs and improve the system’s performance.

The boiler system at LHS was originally designed to operate with three boilers working together to meet the heating demands of the high school, however, staff said that is no longer the case.

One of the three boilers has been permanently decommissioned, and the other two boilers are experiencing failures with increasing maintenance demands. Staff said a replacement is necessary as a continued reliance on the current system could result in in-season failures and expensive emergency repairs.

This item was included on board members’ consent agenda, where all items are typically approved in one motion.

IN OTHER BUSINESS, BOARD MEMBERS WILL:

• Receive a presentation on how the district will approach family engagement in promoting student success in the upcoming school year. As the Journal-World reported, the district is planning to open a Family Engagement Center to support this work. The center will provide academic assistance and equitable access to resources for families.

This is the third presentation the district has had in outlining priorities for the 2026-2027 school year. Previous presentations have focused on teaching and learning as well as how the district will strengthen existing programs.

• Consider renewing Xello, a college and career readiness platform, from Southeast Kansas Education Center in the amount of $25,610. This tool provides students the opportunity to plan their high school courses around post-secondary career and academic learning. The cost will be covered by a fiscal year 2027 Federal Carl Perkins Grant.

• Consider renewing Imagine Learning Edgenuity Licenses for grades 6-12 for the amount of $55,000 for the 2026-2027 school year. The district has used this platform to provide flexible learning options for students who need credit recovery opportunities or alternative course options outside of the traditional classroom.

The board will meet at 6 p.m. Monday at the district offices, 110 McDonald Drive. Public comment will not be included on Monday’s agenda, but people can share written comments with the board via email at schoolboard@usd497.org. The meeting will also be available via the school district’s YouTube channel.