Lawrence Consolidation group finishes with no consolidation plan
They were supposed to provide a plan to consolidate six central and east Lawrence elementary schools into three or four. But after six months, all the Consolidation Working Group has to show for its efforts are two proposals - neither of which meet their original charge.
Next week the group will present two proposals. One calls for no schools to close, and the other asks that if schools are closed, the district maximize the benefits. When a final tally was taken, 13 members thought it would be best to not close any schools and instead pass a bond issue to increase district resources. But 11 members felt closing schools and in addition to passing a bond would be the best course of action.
The things the group can agree on will appear in a cover letter to the school board. They include items like the importance of walkability, smaller classes, upgraded and expanded facilities.
Superintendent Rick Doll says while the group didn’t specifically answer its charge, the process was a success and the board has valuable information on which to base its decision.