Lawrence school budget approved

Lawrence's $102.85 million budget was approved by a vote of 951 to 212.

For the fifth straight year in Lawrence the tax levy – the amount of money the district raises through property taxes – is $85.954 million and the tax-cap levy is flat.

Trustees Murray Forman, who serves as board president, and Asher Mansdorf, who is the vice president, were unopposed and gained the three-year terms. Foreman received 1,010 votes and Mansdorf 1,067.

"We are humbled and grateful that the community placed their trust in us yet again," Forman said. "We hope to continue the upward trajectory of the district in general, in particular to focus on continually improving the educational outcomes of Lawrence."

Mansdorf, 70, will start his eighth straight term and Foreman, 65, his seventh consecutive term, on July 1.

Establishing two $5 million capital reserve funds was approved 800 to 309 for the 2023 fund and 774 to 282 for the 2024 fund.

The district will use the money from the funds to finance the reconstruction, renovation of Lawrence High School, the middle school and the Primary School.

"The truth is I'm excited about getting the air conditioning up and and working," said Mansdorf, who added he was also focused on more than that. "It's the concept of creating a safe and secure environment for children to learn."

The $3.2 million Peninsula Public Library was approved by a vote of 1,005 to 190. Incumbent Trustee Samuel Francis ran unopposed and gained another five-year term with 808 votes.