February 23, 2010

Lawrence Board of Education

110 McDonald Drive
Lawrence, KS 66044

Dear Board of Education Members,

Thank you for taking the time to present your budget challenges and answer questions during our joint meeting on February 16. We are very appreciative of the hard work you do and the difficult decisions you have to make regarding the education of our community’s children.

The Lawrence City Commission urges the Board of Education not to close any of Lawrence’s schools to carefully consider the impact of school closures on the community as a whole and the neighborhoods affected by the closures. As stated in Horizon 2020, the city’s comprehensive plan, the city has a “vital interest in education as it relates to the overall health, economy and well-being of [its] citizens”. Neighborhood schools are critically important to the health and vibrancy of the neighborhoods in which they reside. Horizon 2020 also states that “schools…are among the most important facilities” in Lawrence, and “they not only provide educational services, but also play an important cultural, recreational and social role as well.”

We urge you to preserve neighborhood schools, which serve as “identifiable hubs” of neighborhoods, encourage social interaction and pedestrian travel, and are often sources of pride and stability in their neighborhoods. We recognize the difficult financial position you have been placed in, and encourage the Board to look at solutions that do not close minimize the closure of Lawrence schools. Thank you for the important work you do to maintain strong schools and a strong community.

Sincerely,

Robert Chestnut

Mayor