By EVAN NEMEROFF
"Independent has been a bus service provider for the district for decades," said Lawrence school board president Murray Forman. "They provide transportation for 7,500 kids."
Superintendent Dr. John Fitzsimons mentioned that there have been a few glitches, but referred to them as "minimal." The biggest problem early in the school year was one child being dropped off by the bus driver a reasonable distance from his home.
"There are sometimes incidences that occur, and thankfully in this case, there was no harm done to the child," Forman said. "We always look to make sure things won't happen to our children."
Another issue discussed at the school board meeting was that Lawrence did not meet state physical education requirements at many of its grade levels. At the No. 5 School, the size of the gymnasium was cited as a key reason why it is tough to reach the minimum number of hours required.
"It's my job to make sure that we pass these requirements, and I am going to do just that," said Pat Pizzarelli, Lawrence's athletic director. "It may take some innovative scheduling, but our goal is to move forward a little this year and by next year, be in compliance with the state."
It is required for students at the K-3 grade levels to have PE daily for a total of 120 minutes per week. For grades 4-6, physical education must total 120 minutes and be scheduled three times a week. And for grades 7-12, an alternate-day schedule is required.
The district's capital projects were also a major topic of the September school board meeting. Chris Milano, spokesperson for Lawrence capital projects, explained that smart boards would be installed in the middle school and high school science rooms in the coming months and that the art rooms in both of those schools would have renovations as well. He also confirmed that both athletic and student lockers in the high school would be replaced, with a meeting scheduled for Sept. 17 with the manufacturer.
Lawrence athletics is looking into building a new artificial turf field at the high school next year. The multi-purpose field would be used for soccer, football and lacrosse. For the past 12 weeks, site surveys have been conducted, which are necessary before any work begins.
For comments on this story? Enemeroff@liherald.com or (516)-569-4000 ext. 210.
