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 Remodeling Proposal for Woodlawn Elementary

The Lawrence School Board is set to review a significant remodeling proposal aimed at improving the facilities at Woodlawn Elementary School. The project, estimated to cost $207,749, focuses on enhancing the preschool classroom environment by constructing an additional restroom and an extra exit for preschool students. This funding will be sourced from the district’s capital outlay funds.

Breakdown of the Proposal Costs

According to the proposal, the interior remodeling work for the preschool classroom is priced at $161,590. In addition to this primary cost, an anticipated contingency fee of 10%, which amounts to $16,159, will also be added to the overall expense. Furthermore, an architectural fee of $30,000 is included, bringing the total project cost to the mentioned $207,749.

Focus on Preschool Education Expansion

This remodeling plan comes in light of the district’s initiative to enhance preschool education services. In preparation for the 2025-2026 school year, the Lawrence School District is planning to open preschool classrooms at both Woodlawn and Sunflower Elementary Schools. The district administration emphasizes that expanding preschool education is a priority, resonating with community needs and requests.

Consent Agenda and Other Considerations

The remodeling item is included within the consent agenda for the upcoming school board meeting, which allows multiple items to be approved in a single motion. Along with the remodeling proposal, several other important items are to be discussed at the meeting:

• Purchasing ParentSquare communication software for $43,128 to streamline communication between families and staff for the 2025-2026 school year.
• Buying protective cases for student MacBook Air laptops and iPads, estimated to cost up to $200,000.
• Renewing PowerSchool software for approximately $350,000, which helps meet operational and instructional needs.
• Renewing Mosyle Manager software for $104,500 to enhance the security of Apple devices.
• Approving a maintenance agreement with Tech Electronics of Kansas for fire alarm systems at a cost of $76,522.
• Renewing services for the Cisco phone system and Webex network at an annual cost of $66,670.
• Entering a service agreement with Logicalis Inc. for $32,745, focusing on network infrastructure support.
• Renewing Microsoft licenses for $66,215.
• Renewing ClassLink site licenses and ClassLink Analytics Plus software for $45,726.
• Renewing security camera software from American Digital Security at an estimated cost of $43,200.
• A one-year agreement with Logicalis Inc. for Webex support costing around $25,000.
• Renewing the Frontline Professional Learning Management System for $32,195, which tracks educator professional development.
• Renewing the FMX software for maintenance and IT work orders at $28,444.
• Electing a president and vice president for the school board.
• Appointing specific board officials, including clerk and treasurer positions.
• Designating Brad Finkeldei as legal counsel for the board at $150 per hour.

Meeting Details

The school board meeting where these items will be discussed is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday at district offices. Residents interested in participating or commenting on the proposals are encouraged to sign up in advance via email by the same deadline. Community members will have the option to participate in person or join via Webex video/phone conferencing for broader engagement.

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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