The Lawrence County School Board voted Oct. 23 to approve a package of capital projects and budget items that will move several maintenance and accessibility projects into the procurement phase.

The approved package covers roof replacements, vehicle purchases, security upgrades for a newly acquired Pre‑K building, and authorization to request bids for demolition of the West Highland gym. Director Michael Atkins said the district has run a multi‑year capital cycle and a recent roofing assessment prioritized the projects.

Details on roofs and schedule: staff presented bids for replacing the roof at New Prospect and Lawrenceburg Public as part of a three‑year capital improvement cycle. New Prospect’s old shingle wing is slated to receive a standing‑seam metal roof with new gutters and downspouts, a change staff said should extend service life. Staff told the board that most other district roofs rated B or better after prior COVID‑era repairs, and that remaining D‑ or F‑rated roofs include a CTE building and a circular roof area at Summertown.

Vehicles and accessibility: the board approved purchasing three replacement school buses and two accessible vans equipped with wheelchair lifts to serve students who require such transport. Staff said the vans do not require commercial driver licensing and can be used for daytime student transport and field trips for students who use wheelchairs.

Pre‑K building security and cameras: following last month’s purchase of a Pre‑K facility at Etheridge, staff recommended installing door access controls (badge swipes) and interior and exterior cameras; the board approved the funding request to bring that building up to district security standards.

West Highland gym: district staff advised the board that the West Highland gym lacks heating and cooling, has a deteriorated floor and needs a new roof; staff recommended seeking demolition bids as the most cost‑effective option. The board authorized staff to solicit bids for demolition and to check potential county or municipal interest before proceeding.

Board action and vote: the board approved items a through f on the agenda in a single motion; the roll call was unanimous among members present.

What’s next: staff said they will return with bid results and cost comparisons, and will report back to the board before any demolition contract is awarded.