Lawrence School Board Considers Remodeling Proposal for Woodlawn Elementary

News Summary

The Lawrence school board plans to review a $207,749 proposal for renovations at Woodlawn Elementary School. The plan includes adding a restroom and exit for the preschool classroom. This funding, sourced from capital outlay funds, will support essential upgrades to enhance early childhood education. The board will also evaluate additional proposals related to technology and educational resources during their upcoming meeting.

Lawrence School Board to Review $207,749 Renovation Proposal for Woodlawn Elementary School

The Lawrence school board is set to deliberate on a significant remodeling proposal for Woodlawn Elementary School during its upcoming meeting. The board will consider a bid estimated at $207,749 to undertake essential interior renovations aimed at improving facilities for young learners.

Key components of the proposed remodeling include the construction of a restroom and an additional exit specifically designed for the preschool classroom. This initiative underscores the school district’s commitment to enhancing educational resources and environments for early childhood education.

Funding for this project will be sourced from capital outlay funds, allowing the district to allocate the necessary financial resources without impacting regular operational budgets. The breakdown of the estimated costs reveals that $161,590 is designated for the preschool interior work alone. In addition, there is a recommended contingency of 10%, amounting to $16,159, as well as an architectural fee of $30,000, bringing the total to the anticipated $207,749.

In alignment with the district’s broader educational goals, plans are already in motion for the 2025-2026 school year to open new preschool classrooms at both Sunflower and Woodlawn elementary schools. This expansion reflects a growing focus on enhancing preschool education, driven by considerable community demand and interest.

The remodeling proposal is included in the school board’s consent agenda, a procedural tool that enables the board to approve multiple items in a single motion, streamlining the decision-making process. However, details about additional elements on the agenda remain limited.

Additional Proposals Under Consideration

Alongside the remodeling project, board members will also review several other proposals that carry significant financial implications for the district:

• Purchasing ParentSquare communication software for $43,128 to support unified communication between families and staff for the upcoming school year.
• Investing in protective cases for student MacBook Air laptops and iPads at a potential cost of up to $200,000.
• Renewing PowerSchool software at an estimated cost of $350,000 to address operational and instructional needs.
• Continuing services for Mosyle Manager software with a priority on enhancing security for Apple devices, costing around $104,500.
• Approving an agreement with Tech Electronics of Kansas for fire alarm system maintenance at a cost of $76,522.
• Renewing contracts for the Cisco phone system and Webex network totaling $66,670 annually.
• Establishing an agreement with Logicalis Inc. for Cisco service support for $32,745.
• Renewing Microsoft licenses at an estimated cost of $66,215.
• Continuing ClassLink site licenses and ClassLink Analytics Plus software at a charge of $45,726.
• Renewing security camera software from American Digital Security at an estimated cost of $43,200.
• Establishing a one-year agreement with Logicalis Inc. for Webex support at approximately $25,000.
• Continuing the Frontline Professional Learning Management System services for $32,195, focusing on tracking educator development.
• Renewing FMX software for managing maintenance and IT work orders at a cost of $28,444.
• Electing a president and vice president for the school board.
• Appointing officials such as the clerk and treasurer.
• Designating Brad Finkeldei as legal counsel for the board at an ongoing fee of $150 per hour.

The school board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday at the district offices. Residents interested in voicing their opinions are encouraged to sign up in advance via email by 6 p.m. on Monday, with the option to participate either in-person or via Webex video/phone conferencing.

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Additional Resources

• Lawrence Journal World: Lawrence School Board to Review $207,749 Renovation Proposal for Woodlawn Elementary School
• You Are Current: Mission Accomplished for Lawrence Township School District
• Lawrence Times: LHS Ribbon Cutting
• Bloomberg: What Can Cities Do with Closed School Buildings
• You Are Current: Living Through the Construction
• Wikipedia: Education in the United States
• Google Search: School Renovation Projects
• Google Scholar: Educational Building Renovation
• Encyclopedia Britannica: School Renovation
• Google News: School Facility Improvements