Lawrence school board members on Monday will consider approving a bid for $1.73 million to replace running tracks at Lawrence and Free State high schools.
The 400-meter running tracks at both high schools have reached the end of their useful lives and need to be replaced, according to the agenda item.
In addition, access to the track areas will need to be restricted over the summer until construction is complete “to ensure long-term durability and protect the district’s investment,” according to the agenda.
“The district appreciates the community’s support in helping protect the new track surfaces during the construction and curing process,” the agenda item states.
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The $1.73 million budget for the track replacements includes a contingency of 10%.
“Once construction begins, it is possible that additional work may be needed on the Lawrence High javelin runway or other areas,” according to the agenda. “The contingency will help address the javelin runway and any unforeseen conditions that may arise during the replacement process.”
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The agenda also includes a $42,000 agreement for an “Architectural Vision Team.”
The team would include personnel with ACI Boland Architects, Clark|Huesemann and Multistudio, who will work with Lawrence Public Schools on long-term planning for district facilities, according to the agenda item.
“Areas of focus for the Vision Team include planning and concept development for instructional environments aligned with current and emerging teaching practices, expansion of preschool programming within elementary schools, enhancements to elementary science instructional spaces, development of appropriately sized cafeteria and dining areas, and improvements to building main entries and public spaces,” according to the agenda.
Langston Hughes Elementary School, which is set for expansion, will be an “initial study site for concept development,” according to the agenda.
“The District anticipates that the Architectural Vision Team will support planning efforts and potential future construction or renovation projects over an estimated five-year term,” according to the agenda item. “Projects may include modernization and renovation work, ADA and safety upgrades, HVAC and infrastructure improvements, and other facility enhancements that support the District’s strategic goals.”
Those items are both on the board’s consent agenda, a list of items that are generally considered routine and approved with one motion unless a board member or superintendent asks to discuss something.
Also on the consent agenda is a bid for asphalt and concrete maintenance at several district buildings, for $365,922. All agreements would be paid from capital outlay funds, which can’t be used for district employee salaries.
In other business:
• The board will also hear more about district plans for a welcome center and additional “enhancements” the superintendent is planning.
Superintendent Jeanice Swift told board members during their last meeting that she’d share more information about the center, which is planned for district offices.
“This welcome center will serve as the front door to the district, going for a warm, welcoming district; access and connection; a place to come together to support families, schools and community,” Swift said. It will connect families to resources, support and a full range of district services, she said.
• Monday’s board meeting will be the seventh meeting in a row with no general public comment period on the agenda. The board has not heard in-person public comment since Nov. 17.
Meeting info
The board meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Monday, March 23 at district offices, 110 McDonald Drive.
Meetings are open to the public, livestreamed on the district’s YouTube channel, youtube.com/@USD497, and broadcast on Midco channel 26.
See the full meeting agenda at this link. See ways to contact the school board at lawrencekstimes.com/contact-usd497bd.
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August Rudisell / Lawrence TimesLawrence school board to consider replacing high school tracks for $1.73M
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