The centerpiece of the meeting was the detailed presentation of the proposed expansion of Lawrence Middle School, delivered by George Duthy and Steve Trier of FHD. The plan seeks to renovate the 75-year-old building and create new spaces to support student achievement. The architects explained the necessity for a larger footprint to alleviate space and facility issues, improve traffic flow, and enhance safety and security measures on campus. The presentation outlined the intent to add 18 academic classrooms to the middle school, expand the cafeteria, and build a new gymnasium, totaling over 83,000 square feet of additional space.

A critical aspect of the expansion is the need to address the individual instructional requirements of special needs learners. The proposed classrooms with attached bathrooms for medically impacted students reflect this consideration. Moreover, the plan includes a design that allows for future flexibility and subdivision of spaces, accommodating the diverse needs of multilingual and special needs learners.

In addition to the classroom additions, the site plan proposes the development of a synthetic turf field, new parking areas, a driveway loop for nighttime events, and the relocation of the main entrance. The architects emphasized the proposed expansion’s potential benefits, such as closer access to athletic fields, improved facilities for after-hours events, and better accessibility for visitors. The board discussed the necessity of creating a gated entrance from Berwin Place, faculty swipe access, and additional safety measures to manage traffic flow and ensure student safety.

The proposed renovations also include converting a space into a breakout classroom with updated acoustics and a state-of-the-art sound and audio-visual system. Plans for the gym aim to make it a multi-purpose space for various events and performances, accommodating up to 900 occupants in the bleachers and around 1,800 people on the floor. The cafeteria is also envisioned to be used for multiple purposes.

Board members and attendees discussed the broader impact of the proposed expansion, including the effect on neighboring residential areas and the financial implications of the project. The need for Department of Education approvals, updates to the district’s long-range facility plan, and Board of Education or voter support through a referendum were acknowledged as necessary steps to advance the project.

The superintendent underscored the growth of the district and the strategic goals related to wellness, student achievement, equity, diversity, and inclusion. The board’s discussion highlighted their commitment to long-term planning and engagement with various stakeholders, such as elected officials, township engineers, state and county departments of education, and the police department for safety concerns.

One community member voiced frustration regarding a perceived lack of empathy in the board’s dealings with her daughter’s school placement, while another raised the issue of flags not being taken down at night as required by law. Questions were also raised about the impact of the proposed expansion on teacher shortages and high interest rates.

The board also discussed reconfiguration plans to accommodate the sixth grade, with an emphasis on increasing gym space and improving outdoor fields. The potential for educational program accommodation and support services for students was also considered, including outdoor covered walkways and improved storage for athletic equipment.

In other discussions, the board acknowledged the retirement of Clifton Thompson and the need to continue the momentum in recruiting and retaining a diverse staff. Principals expressed gratitude for the board’s consideration and the impact of the pandemic on school spaces. The appointment of Kristen Burke and the transition of Lawrence Middle School were also noted.