2020 / 21 ANNUAL REPORT
the many faces of LT
2020/21 M S D L AW R E N C E TO W N S H I P A N N UA L R E P O R T
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Welcome Celebrating the Many Voices 3 Greetings from Dr. Shawn Smith 4 and Mr. Reginald McGregor
6 Equity: Embedded at our Core 8 Student Life: Reimagined Facilities: Renovated & Expanded 10 2 12 LT Fast Facts
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LT Achievements & Recognition LT Board Goals Financials Executive Leadership Team Teachers & Staff Awards Lawrence Township School Foundation
2 20 02 20 0/ 2/ 21 1MMS SDDL LA A WWR RE ENNC CE ET TOOWWNNS SHHI PI PA ANNNNUUA AL LR RE EP POOR RT T
We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color. Maya Angelou LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP is the 9th largest school corporation in Indiana. Located in the northeast corner of the greater Indianapolis area, Lawrence Township is a residential suburban community governed by two city municipalities, the City of Lawrence and Indianapolis. It is home to Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park, Geist Reservoir, Fall Creek Greenway, and miles of hiking and biking trails. The school corporation has a history of academic excellence and a reputation as a leader in K-12 education. While proud of this heritage, the process of continuous improvement is on-going and ever-changing because students and families deserve progressive learning communities where innovation and critical thinking are encouraged and valued for both students and staff. The school district is committed to the guiding principle that students of all races and ethnicities are not only well educated but also prepared to succeed in the rapidly changing, racially and culturally diverse world.
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2020/21 M S D L AW R E N C E TO W N S H I P A N N UA L R E P O R T
celebrating the many voices of LT Where students with diverse backgrounds, interests, talents, and goals belong to the LT school community without compromising individuality and uniqueness. Where varied perspectives
facilitate robust discussions, greater knowledge, and mutual respect. Where differences are celebrated in a welcoming environment. Where rich programming for all ability levels and aspirations empowers everyone to reach their potential. WHERE LIFE SKILLS SUCH AS CROSS-CULTURAL COLLABORATION, CRITICAL THINKING, PROBLEM-SOLVING, EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION, AND EMPATHY ARE VALUED LIKE TEST SCORES. Where
achieving academic personal best and developing into well rounded future leaders defines excellence.
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2020/21 M S D L AW R E N C E TO W N S H I P A N N UA L R E P O R T
families, Employees, & stakeholders The MSD of Lawrence Township Board of Education is proud of how well We all worked together through the multitude of challenges and concerns that were raised by the pandemic. We listened to all stakeholder voices with respect, keeping our students at the forefront of every decision. We stayed the course on health protocols to transition to a new normal and to remain as safe as possible. We were successful in continuing a rigorous learning structure for students on campus as well as for those students utilizing the virtual space. We developed and evaluated plans to ensure equitable opportunities and outcomes for our students. We engaged our community partners, thanking them for their continued support. We focused on the social and emotional learning of both students and faculty, prioritizing their wellbeing in and out of the classroom. We utilized federal CARES funding to improve the quality of life for our students, teachers, and all employees.
I am proud to serve as the superintendent of the MSD of Lawrence Township. With that responsibility comes the privilege of working hand in hand with students, families, employees, and the community-at-large to create, deliver, and achieve excellence in every aspect of our school corporation. Together, we have accomplished so much. We have faced head-on a global pandemic that has tested every facet of our organization; yet, we have remained unified. We have continued to renovate our facilities to provide state-of-the-art, safe learning facilities for our students and staff that promote equity and well-being. Perhaps most importantly, we have continued to graduate more and more students each year, who are college and career-ready, without any racial disparity in our graduation data.
While the 2020-2021 school year brought new challenges, it provided opportunities for us. We grew stronger and We will continue to build on our strengths.
I am honored to serve a district that celebrates diversity in action. Guided by our district equity policy, we value leadership who reflects the diversity of our community. We will continue engaging in crucial conversations with staff and students that both uphold our commitment to eliminate racial disparities in achievement and to elicit positive change. It is our diversity that makes us who we are, the district of destination.
We stood together. Strong LT Schools. Strong LT Community.
Yours in Education,
An honor to serve,
SHAWN A. SMITH, PH.D.
REGINALD MCGREGOR
Superintendent, MSD of Lawrence Township
President, MSD of Lawrence Township Board of Education
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2020/21 M S D L AW R E N C E TO W N S H I P A N N UA L R E P O R T
Embracing our STRENGTH “ Our job as a public school corporation is to educate and provide a graduation pathway for every student, regardless of circumstances. Our commitment to students is to provide innovative academic and extracurricular choices in stimulating learning modes from pre-Kindergarten through high school, advancing students toward their post-graduation plans.” Dr. Shawn A. Smith, Superintendent 7 5
The MSD of Lawrence Township is committed to dismantling inequity for improved outcomes for ALL students. The on-going focus is to ensure that policies and practices eliminate racial disparities in the school community and in student achievement.
In 2015, the LT Board of Education formalized and passed the district’s position regarding human dignity and equity in two board policies to ensure students, families, and employees are considered and given equitable opportunities that promote academic, social, and emotional growth and stability, free from discrimination and prejudice. The policies underscored the importance of “sensitivity to the backgrounds, feelings, and concerns of students and community members.” LT Schools practices continual, conscious, and deliberate examination of the institutional beliefs, behaviors, policies, programs, practices, systems, and structures in our school corporation to identify and eliminate those that may perpetuate racial and ethnic disparities in achievement in order to counteract the impact of contemporary and historical institutionalized racism and discrimination in student achievement. An external Equity Audit to review and update equity policies in practice and cultural competence was conducted throughout the 2020-21 school year by Dr. Vernita Mayfield, president of Leadervation Learning.The audit appraised LT Schools policies, practices, and outcomes related to racial equity.The audit report was published in April 2021.
equity: Embedded at our core
As is common practice in LT Schools, community stakeholders representing the diversity, varied expertise, and viewpoints were gathered and tasked with openly discussing the sensitive topics addressed in the findings. Discussion norms encouraged participants to “speak their truth, just do it kindly.” Group-think recommendations will be made to the LT Board of Education and Administration. In LT Schools, every voice is important; every viewpoint is respected. 6
2020/21 M S D L AW R E N C E TO W N S H I P A N N UA L R E P O R T
2020/21 M S D L AW R E N C E TO W N S H I P A N N UA L R E P O R T
The intent of the MSD of Lawrence Township’s decisions and actions will always be to ensure the safety of the community and to act based on facts, careful deliberation, and the best practices and recommendations of expert and official sources. While the goal was for student life to return to normalcy, the global pandemic continued into the 2020-21 school year. In compliance with State and Federal mandates, the LT Board of Education and district administrators designed learning choices, modified student experiences, adopted enhanced cleaning protocols, and altered school bus procedures in order to keep students safe and healthy. Teachers adjusted lesson plans to teach those in attendance as well as those “zooming” in. LT students being 1:1 with technology facilitated learning and general communication. LT students and families embraced these necessary changes which resulted in LT Schools having one of the lowest positivity rates among K-12 schools in Marion County.
Student life: Reimagined LT students and families embraced these necessary changes which resulted in LT Schools having one of the lowest positivity rates among K-12 school districts in Marion County.
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2020/21 M S D L AW R E N C E TO W N S H I P A N N UA L R E P O R T
facilities: Renovated & Expanded
In the last 6 years, over $174M that was self-financed has been invested in renovations and expansions in LT Schools.
The MSD of Lawrence Township maintains every LT student and employee should have access to vibrant, safe environments conducive to learning, teaching, and experiencing. LT Schools maintains almost 3 million square feet in 23 learning and support buildings on almost 450 acres of land. In the last 6 years, over $174M that was self-financed has been invested in renovations and expansions that addressed capacity, safety and security, enhanced learning environments, IT infrastructure, and mechanicals for every facility, culminating with an additional $220M in renovations, primarily focused on Lawrence Central and Lawrence North High Schools, financed by a capital referendum in 2019. 68% of voters said yes to LT Schools, underscoring strong schools are the backbone for strong communities.
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2020/21 M S D L AW R E N C E TO W N S H I P A N N UA L R E P O R T
68% of voters said yes to LT Schools, underscoring strong schools are the backbone for strong communities.
LT Schools renovated in 2020-21 Amy Beverland Elementary Sunnyside Elementary
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Under Construction Brook Park Elementary Forest Glen Elementary Oaklandon Elementary Winding Ridge Elementary 4 Early Learning Centers Lawrence Central High School Lawrence North High School
2020/21 M S D L AW R E N C E TO W N S H I P A N N UA L R E P O R T
2020-21
LT Fast facts
16,298 Student Enrollment
93.5 % 2021 Graduation Rate
1,120
Total number of 2021 graduates
145
Distinguished graduates
4.39 %
Average GPA for top 10% of 2021 seniors
Mabel Ramos
K-8 Spanish Teacher of the Year
4 N AEYC Accredited Early Learning Centers
6 E lementary $38M
awarded in scholarships for the Class of 2021.
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8 STEM
Certified Schools by the Indiana Department of Education. • 1-12 STEM & Project Lead the Way Accreditations
Magnet Themes
• 1- 6 STEM for all
• STEM • Spanish Immersion • Communications • Environmental Studies • Inquiry/Performing Arts • International Studies
• 1- 8 High Ability Program • 7- 8 Pre-AP Curriculum
2020/21 M S D L AW R E N C E TO W N S H I P A N N UA L R E P O R T
24 Varsity Sports 47 State
Championships
5 National
Championships
LN Jayla Smith 2021 Miss Indiana Basketball
LC Taylor Herbert Miss Indiana Sprinter/ Hurdler– Track & Field
29 LN student athletes in the Class of 2021 committed to continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level.
17LC student athletes
in the Class of 2021 committed to continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level.
LN Counselor Mrs. Connie Sivertson Indiana School Counselors Association Counselor of the Year
7 students were selected as “Rising Stars of Indiana” for their academic excellence by the Indiana Association of School Principals Yahya Amjad (LC) Nehemiah Boyd (LC) Lu-Si Minnich (LC) Danielle Roy (LC) Kaitlin Fasbender (LN) Jain Iftesam (LN) Evan Knott (LN)
10th year
National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation recognized the MSD of Lawrence Township as a Best Community for Music Education.
NAMM Ranking
4 National Merit
Semi-Finalists in the Class of 2021
LC Kamyren Garrett
Justin Hoffer (LC) Koryn Harms (LN) Melissa Rigdon (LN) Quinten Rostron (LN)
graduation pathways • Advanced Placement Capstone Program • International Baccalaureate Program • Dual College Credit Courses • National Technical Certifications
2021 USA Track & Field Athlete of the Year, IN State Champion, National Indoor Champion
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2020/21 M S D L AW R E N C E TO W N S H I P A N N UA L R E P O R T
recognition and achievements Highlights from the 2020-21 academic year Athletics LC Boys Track & Field Head Coach Tim Richey was inducted into the Indiana Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches Hall of Fame. LC Boys Varsity Basketball Coach Al Gooden secured 500 career wins. He is the first African American Indiana High School Basketball Coach to achieve this milestone. LN Boys Basketball Coach Jack Keefer was named Marion County Coach of the Year. LN Basketball Shamar Avance was MIC Player of the Year, Marion County Player of the Year, and Indiana All-Star. LN Football Donaven McCulley was named the 2021 IndyStar Marion County Male Athlete of the Year. LN Girls Basketball Jayla Smith received the following accolades: MIC Network Player of the Year, ALL-USA IndyStar Super Team, ALL-USA Central Indiana Girls Basketball preseason Super Team (1st Team), McDonald’s All-American nominee for the Midwest, and Indiana All-Star team. Sectional Champions for LN and LC include: LN Boys Varsity Tennis; LN Girls Tennis; LN Boys Track & Field; LN Varsity Softball; LN swimmer Tristan Eckert, 200 IM and 100 Breaststroke; LN swimmers Emma Pletcher, Brielle Vail, Elizabeth Fritz-Kent, and Carol Ludington, 200-free relay IHSAA State Track Meet State Champions include: LC Kamyren Garrett, High Jump; LC Taylor Herbert, 100-Meter Dash LN Wildcats were the 2021 4A State Runner-Up in Boys Basketball.
Marion County High School Girls Track & Field Champions include: LC Morgan Murff, Discus & Shot Put;
LC Kamyren Garrett, High Jump, finished 1st and tied the Indiana record by clearing 7 feet 2.5 inches and LC Taylor Herbert, sprinter, finished 6th in the 60-Meter Dash with a time of 6.531 at the Adidas Indoor Track and Field Nationals in Virginia Beach.
LC Taylor Herbert, 100-Meter Dash; LN Brielle Vail, 3200-Meter
Marion County High School Boys Track & Field Champions include: LC Tivon Wiley, Pole Vault; LC Brandyn Barrett, Long Jump; LC Paul Goins, 110-Meter & 300-Meter Hurdles; LC Kamyren Garrett, High Jump
LC Kamyren Garrett, High Jump, cleared 7 feet 3 inches at Kenny Randle Track & Field Invitational after breaking his own two previous school records. Garrett, the U.S. indoor leader and national high jump champion at 7 feet 2.5 inches is also the 2021 Outdoor Leader.
Middle School MIIC Champions include: Fall Creek Valley Wildcats Girls Soccer; Belzer Bears Football; Fall Creek Valley 7th grade Boys Basketball
Middle School Marion County Champions include: Fall Creek Valley 7th Grade Boys Basketball; Fall Creek Valley 8th Grade Boys Basketball; Fall Creek Valley 7th Grade Girls Basketball; Fall Creek Valley 8th Grade Girls Basketball
2020 All-MIC teams for fall sports include: LN Kyle Manner, for Boys Tennis; LC Alannah Washington and LN Kimora Whetstone, for Volleyball; LN Brielle Vail, for Girls Cross Country; LN Vincente Aguilar, LC Elmer Garcia, LC Hernan Polanco, for Boys Soccer; LN Emma Cox and LC Mychaela Johnson, for Girls Soccer; LN Donaven McCulley, LN Omar Cooper, LN Larry Harris, LN Romaro Warren, LC Tyler Cunningham, for Football 2021 All-MIC team for winter sports include: LN Shamar Avance, LN D. J. Hughes, LC Greg Jenkins, LN C.J. Gunn, and LC Dameriz Merriweather for Boys Basketball; LC De’Naria Washington,LN Jayla Smith, and LN Monica Williams for Girls Basketball; LN Jeremiah Henderson and LN Anthony Hughes for Wrestling; LN Emilio Perez for Boys Swimming & Diving The Indiana Football Coaches Association (IFCA) Top 50 all-state football team include: LN Wide Receiver, Omar Cooper, Jr. and
(partial listing)
IBCA Boys Basketball All-State ‘Supreme 15’ for seniors and underclassmen include: LN Shamar Avance, Senior All-State Supreme 15 Team; LN D.J. Hughes, Large School All-State Team; LC Greg Jenkins, Honorable Mention; LC Dameriz Merriweather, Honorable Mention; LN C.J. Gunn, Underclass All-State ‘Supreme 15”; LC Josh Mickens, Underclass Honorable Mention LN junior, C.J. Gunn was named to the 2021 Junior All-Star Basketball team.
Kam Garrett (LC) LC Kamyren Garrett was named 2021
Mr. Indiana Track & Field by the Indiana Association of Track & Cross Country Coaches.
Performing Arts — pandemic restrictions limited most of the performing arts competitions and performances LN Advanced Dance Team competed in the IHSDTA Avon Invitational: 1st in Hip Hop, 3rd in Jazz, 1st in Duet, and the top three performing soloists. Tyson Moore (LN) was recognized as the 2020 Indiana Percussion Association Individual Snare Performer of the Year.
LN Choirs performed at the Avon Invitational, bringing home the following awards: Legacy, 7th overall; Sabrina Ola, Most Outstanding 2021 All-Marion County baseball team includes: Performer for Legacy; Bella Bravada, 6th First Team: Charlie Hawk (LC – 1B), Enas Hayden place; Maddie Griewe, Most Outstanding (LN – OF), & Cal Shepard (LN – P) Performer for Bella Bravada; Adria Scott, Grand Champion of the solo competition. Second Team: Trevor Jones (LN – 2B), Tyler At the LC hosted annual Classic competition: Walkup (LN – 3B), Owen Quinn (LN – OF), LN Legacy, Grand Champion; Bella Bravada, & Jayden Anderson (LC – P) first Runner Up with Best Band; Antonia ALL-USA Central Indiana Baseball Super Team Ferran, Grand Champion of the Solo includes: First Team: Charlie Hawk (LC) and Cal Shepherd (LN) Competition; Franny Church, Best Soloist
LN Cal Shepherd was named to the 2021 Baseball South All-Star Team.
Second Team: Jayden Anderson (LC), Enas Hayden (LN), & Tyler Walkup (LN).
LN Quarterback, Donaven McCulley
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LC Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble
earned a gold rating at the Indiana State School Music Association Virtual Evaluation.
2020/21 M S D L AW R E N C E TO W N S H I P A N N UA L R E P O Amy Beverland sixth grade students, Sophia Simonsen, Rose Wells, and Aleesa Ampil were three of 60 Indiana choir students selected for the Indiana Elementary Honor Choir who performed at the Palladium Concert Hall.
10th grade students recognized as Kiwanis “Character Counts”Award Recipients for 2021 include: LC Josh Mickens, LC Olivia Tran, LN Natalie Bozinovski & LN Gianfranco
Academic
LN National Merit Scholar, Quinten Rostron, was awarded a full scholarship, including tuition, on-campus housing, and stipends from the University of Alabama.
The LN newspaper, the LN North Star, was the winner of the Division 3 newspaper Hoosier Star Award from the Indiana High School Press Association. The National Merit Scholarship Program recognized LC Morgan Murff and LN Paris McClendon as 2020 National Merit Achievement Scholars. LN had two Questbridge scholars in the Class of 2021. Ainee Martin and Joi Henson were awarded a four-year, full tuition scholarship to the University of Notre Dame. Belzer Middle School Ariah Hughes was selected by the WNBA to receive hands-on journalism training. At the 2021 Scholastic Art and Writing Competition, LC Kirsten Albershardt received a Silver Key in Ceramics and LC Chrisann Taylor received Honorable Mention in Mixed Media. Fall Creek Valley Middle School Gearcats Robotics Team secured the Design Award in
the Heritage Christian League competition. LN North Star editor and senior, Natalie Rowland, was named the 2021 Indiana High School Journalist of the Year by the Indiana High School Press Association. 15 students from McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology received 48 awards
in the 2021 Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) state competition. LN Kayden Beatty was awarded the
Presidential Scholarship at Wabash College. LN Kelly Curry was named a 2021 Purdue
University Vet Scholar.
MSDLT was named a 2020 recipient of the Spirit United Award from the United Way of Central Indiana.The MSD of Lawrence Township is the first school district to receive this award.
Cardenas
LC Sunzia Reza received the Horatio Alger National Scholarship, one of two students in Indiana to receive one of the 106 scholarships awarded.
MSDLT achieved Gold Level in the American Heart Association Workplace Health Index for the second consecutive year. Pascual Cubero Soto
recipients of the Next Generation Hoosier Educator Scholarship.
The Ellen DeGeneres show recognized Forest Glen 2nd grade teacher, Pascual Cubero Soto, after learning about a conversation he had with his students about the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Cubero was interviewed by Ellen and given $10,000 financial gifts to both he and the school.
LN Cecilia O’Leary placed third nationally in
Alicia Stevens of Crestview Elementary was
LC Alexis Allen, LN Rachel Bakx, LN Olivia Magnuson, & LN Melissa Rigdon were
the Cartooning category for her graphic on Restorative Justice at the National Federation of Press Women Education Fund Awards.
named a recipient of the 2021 Edthena Teacher Leader Impact Award.
Student Leader by Bank of America.
Walgreens recognized Lindsey Shaurette of Winding Ridge Elementary School as a WE Teacher Award Recipient.
Faculty
MSDLT
Dr. Shawn Smith was a Distinguished Presenter at the Indiana Black Expo’s African American Excellence in Education Awards ceremony. Administrators Franklyn Bush (LC), Justin Hunter (ST), and Victor Bush (LN) were award recipients.
The Early Learning Center (ELC) at Mary Castle was named a top three finalist for
LC Madison Guyse was named an Indianapolis
LN Journalism teacher and newspaper advisor, Heather Klopfenstein, was presented with the 2020 Indiana High School Press Association Ella Sengenberger Indiana Advisor of the Year Award. The Lawrence Township School Foundation named two teachers as 2020 Susan Jordan Excellence in Education Scholarship recipients: Sabrina Roll from Belzer Middle School and Lori Weber from Oaklandon Elementary School.
MSDLT Alumni Matthew Kovacs (LC Class of 2020)
participated in the Presidential Inauguration, holding doors for both President Trump and President Biden. Kovacs is a member of both the Coast Guard and the Ceremonial Guard in Alexandria, Virginia. 2 LN alums won 2021 Oscars. Tiara Thomas (2008) won an Oscar for Best Original Song for “Fight For You” from Judas and the Black Messiah. Mike Conley (2006) won for best live-action short as an executive producer of Two Distant Strangers. 2015 LC graduate, Braxton Kennedy Hiser, was crowed 2021 Miss Indiana. She will represent Indiana in the Miss America Pageant.
Best Preschool in Indianapolis Star 2020 Best Things in Indy Community Choice Awards. McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology
was selected as the recipient of the 2021 Indiana Governor’s Workface Cabinet Award for Excellence. MSDLT is the winner of a National School PR
Association Digital Media Excellence Award for the 2019-2020 Annual Report. Indiana Department of Education recognized Oaklandon Elementary, Skiles Test Elementary,Winding Ridge Elementary, and Belzer Middle School as the recipients of Indiana’s inaugural Purple Star designation. The Purple Star designation honors schools displaying a significant commitment to service members, veterans, students, and families connected to our nation’s military.
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Braxton Kennedy-Hiser
2018 LN alum, Garrett Burhenn, was drafted to play Major League Baseball for the Detroit Tigers. Linebacker and All-American, Cameron (Cam) McGrone, (LC Class of 2018) was drafted by the New England Patriots. Running back, Gerrid Doaks, (LC Class of 2016) was drafted by the Miami Dolphins.
Lawrence Township Board of Education Front Row (left to right): Dr. Shawn A. Smith, Superintendent • Amy Norman, Member • Reginald McGregor, President Back Row (left to right): Richard Freije, Jr., Member • Crystal Puckett, Secretary • Wendy Muston, Vice President
2020/21 M S D L AW R E N C E TO W N S H I P A N N UA L R E P O R T
2020-21 board goals The Lawrence Township Board of Education and the Superintendent work collaboratively to define annual goals which will further the school district’s mission of being the district of destination where excellence empowers everyone to reach their potential. The 2020-21 goals were centered around equity, student achievement and people, emphasizing innovative programming, dynamic instruction, safe and secure 21st century learning environments, and financial stability. Please note: Due to the COVID 19 pandemic which resulted in the disruption to the end of the school year, several board goals’ outcomes were affected.
Board Goal: Equity and Anti-Racism The MSD of Lawrence Township will pursue equitable access and inclusion and continue to examine institutional beliefs, behaviors, policies, programs, practices, and structures in our School Corporation and implement culturally responsive procedures and practices that enhance the educational opportunities for students, families, and our community partners.We know that learning from the shared experiences of our diverse community will eliminate discriminatory barriers that impede a growth mindset. All board goals will be examined through the lens of equity and anti-racism. • O n a monthly basis, the MSD of Lawrence Township Board of Education will receive an update on the on-going work of Equity and Anti-Racism. Updates were shared with the Board of Education throughout 2020-21 school year and are on-going. • Conduct a District-Wide Equity Audit. Equity Audit complete and reports received as of April 9, 2021. • Create committees that will develop strategies and goals for future work with Equity and Anti-Racism. Every school formed an equity team and committees who proactively discuss opportunities and recommendations for improvements at both the school and district level. In addition, the district-wide Equity Planning Committee comprised of school district and community stakeholders was assembled to create action plans to achieve equitable outcomes for students, by examining all aspects of the school corporation. Resulting recommendations were submitted to the school district administration in December 2021.
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2020/21 M S D L AW R E N C E TO W N S H I P A N N UA L R E P O R T
Board Goal: Student Achievement We are passionate about providing rigorous, high-quality academic instruction in a diverse and enriching environment. When it became apparent that the pandemic would continue to cause disruptions and adjustments, the LT Board of Education and LT Administrators recommended Student Achievement goals be suspended for the 2020-2021 school year. The only student achievement goal that remained at the end of the year was the graduation rate. • Graduation Rate: Maintain a 93% graduation rate while increasing the percentage of students earning an Academic Honors or Technical Honors diploma by 5% in every racial sub-group. Baseline: 2020 92.8% 2021 93.49% Increase in Honors Diplomas: Black +7% Hispanic +4% White +5%
Board Goal: People We value and empower employees to positively impact student achievement. • All Employees will participate in District-Wide Equity and Anti-Racism professional development. MSDLT Human Resources administered the professional development to all employees. • Recruit and Retain 90% of district effective and highly effective teachers and classified staff. Baseline: 2018-2019 Certified 87.5% 2019-2020 Certified 84% 2020-2021 Certified 94% • Increase racial and ethnic staff diversity by 3% through recruitment and retention. Baseline: 2018-2019 District 42% 2020-2021 District 48% • Increase Health & Wellness for all employees through a Vaccination Incentive and Covid 19 mitigation strategies. Completed throughout 2020-21 at district and building level
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2020/21 M S D L AW R E N C E TO W N S H I P A N N UA L R E P O R T
Board Goal: Operations and Finance We are responsible for 23 facilities, more than 16,000 students and over 2,500 employees. • The MSD of Lawrence Township School Board will ensure a strong and stable financial outlook by maintaining a cash balance of $10M in the education fund at the end of each calendar year. Baseline: 2019 - 2020: $10M Cash balance 2020 - 2021: $11.9M Cash balance + $1.5M Rainy Day Fund • All taxing funds will maintain a positive balance at the end of the fiscal year. Baseline: 2 019 - 2020: Positive Balance 2020 - 2021: Positive Balance • The MSD of Lawrence Township will increase minority vendor participation. 2020 - 2021: 18% of $190M of construction projects are with minority contractors.
Board Goal: Safety and Security We are committed to creating safe and secure schools for our community. • We are committed to the health and wellbeing of our students and staff. Each building will rate a cleaning grade of “A” or “B”. 2018 - 2019: Maintained a building rating of A, B, C 2019 - 2020: Maintained a building rating of A, B 2020 - 2021: Maintained a building rating of A, B • We will maintain an Indiana State Police (ISP) Bus Maintenance safety score of 96% or higher. 2021 - ISP score was 93%. * Variables included a new ISP Inspection Team. • Through the Blue Ribbon Projects, we will continue to improve the physical safety of all MSDLT buildings. Completion: 2019 - 2020: 5 buildings 2018 - 2019: 7 buildings 2020 - 2023: 10 buildings
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2020/21 M S D L AW R E N C E TO W N S H I P A N N UA L R E P O R T
Board Goal: Communication and Outreach The MSD of Lawrence Township will continue to inform and engage families, employees, and the community through social media, parent square, website, and parent/community newsletters. • Increase Communications to all areas of the School District by increasing touchpoint. 2020-2021 Additions: P arentSquare Weekly News Blast Print Mail
Increase Frequency: S ocial Media: Twitter impressions Facebook Instagram
• Increase Enrollment of our 22 schools/programs by 3%. Baseline: 2 018 - 2019: 16,035 2019 - 2020: 16,165 2020 - 2021: 15,683 (affected by Covid) 2021 - 2022: 16,298 (projected)
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2020/21 M S D L AW R E N C E TO W N S H I P A N N UA L R E P O R T
Enrollment by Grade
2020-21 numbers Financial Result Year
Expenditures
Actual Budget
Cash Balance
Cash Balance%
2016
$ 110,222,545 $ 110,184,766
$ 10,338,181
9.5 %
2017
$ 110,707,363 $ 110,568,336
$ 10,011,409
9.1 %
2018
$ 111,382,366 $ 111,338,491
$ 10,055,284
9.0 %
2019 $ 114,690,840 $ 114,764,722
$ 10,011,404
8.72%
2020 $ 118,321,146 $ 118,304,856
$ 11,986,834
10.1%
Graduation Rate LT%
92.3 89.1%
92.3
Enrollment Trends LT
87.1%
92.7
87.3%
92.8
LT
87.7%
+345
+256
-127
+130
15,936
16,162
16,035
16,165
-482
+615
86.7
Projected in 2021-22
State of Indiana
2019-20
93.5% Lawrence Township
State of Indiana
2018-19
LT% Lawrence Township
State of Indiana
2017-18
LT% Lawrence Township
State of Indiana
2016-17
92.4% 88.1% Lawrence Township
State of Indiana
Lawrence Township
State of Indiana
Lawrence Township
2015-16
LT%
Pre-Kindergarten 268 Kindergarten 999 1st Grade 1,135 2nd Grade 1,042 3rd Grade 1,130 4th Grade 1,156 5th Grade 1,193 6th Grade 1,205 7th Grade 1,270 8th Grade 1,252 9th Grade 1,321 10th Grade 1,286 11th Grade 1,222 12th Grade 1,176 Adult 28
2020-21
2016-17
21
2017-18
2018-19
2019-20
15,683
2020-21
16,298
2021-22
2020/21 M S D L AW R E N C E TO W N S H I P A N N UA L R E P O R T
Executive leadership team
Dr. Shawn A. Smith
Dr. Tim Harshbarger
Mr. Michael Shreves
Mr. Rodger Smith
Ms. Carla Johnson
Mr. Troy Knoderer
Mr. Michael Bottorff
Ms. Stephanie LaPlante
Ms. Karen Niemeier
Ms. Shawn Bush
Superintendent of Schools
Chief of Human Resources
Director of Exceptional Learners
Chief Financial Officer
Assistant Superintendent for Schools
Chief Academic Officer
Chief Technology Officer
Director of Student Services
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Chief of Operations
Chief of Programs
2020/21 M S D L AW R E N C E TO W N S H I P A N N UA L R E P O R T
employees of the year Teacher of the Year
Hillary Pyle McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology
Distict Classified Employee of the Year Susan Jordan Administrator of the Year
Mandy Pardue, RN Lawrence Education and Community Center
Mari Swayne McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology
talented professional dedicated
2021 Building Teachers of the Year Brook Park Elementary School Olivia Reel
Indian Creek Elementary School LaMonica Henson
Sunnyside Elementary School Jen Durante
Lawrence Central High School Christina Hunt
Crestview Elementary School Abigail Boerner
Mary Castle Elementary School Katherine Wynne
Winding Ridge Elementary School Lindsey Shaurette
Lawrence North High School Elizabeth Atkinson
ELC Winding Ridge Vincent Schurger
Forest Glen Elementary School José Salerno
Oaklandon Elementary School Emily Wilson
Belzer Middle School Jenenne Young
Amy Beverland Elementary School Amy Hardin
Harrison Hill Elementary School Claudia Gambetta
Skiles Test Elementary School Janet Holt
ELC Amy Beverland Sean Martin ELC Brook Park Eloyda López Ramos ELC Mary Castle Shelli Champion
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Fall Creek Valley Middle School Solomon Abebe
Lawrence Advance Academy Stephanie Keller McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology Hillary Pyle
2020/21 M S D L AW R E N C E TO W N S H I P A N N UA L R E P O R T
Lawrence township school Foundation
Founded in 1983, the Lawrence Township School Foundation (LTSF) is the philanthropic arm serving the students and staff in the MSD of Lawrence Township.The LTSF partners with the school district to identify significant and impactful programs to fund. Over the past thirty-eight years, the Foundation has raised and contributed millions of dollars to fund student achievement and student support programs. It takes the COMMUNITY, a diverse group of committed individuals, business partners, and service organizations who work together toward one common goal: to create impact by connecting resources for all Lawrence Township students to excel. Donors fuel the power of the LTSF programs impact, ensuring the sustainability and growth of the work the Foundation is entrusted to do. On behalf of over 16,000 students and 2,500 employees these gifts impact, THANK YOU! 6501 Sunnyside Road I Indianapolis, IN 46236 I 317.423.8300 I msdltf.org 24
2020/21 M S D L AW R E N C E TO W N S H I P A N N UA L R E P O R T
Geographically spanning more than 48 square miles in 23 facilities, over 16,000 students and 2,500 employees proudly choose Lawrence Township Schools as their district of destination.
OUR SCHOOLS Early Learning Centers ELC Amy Beverland ELC Brook Park ELC Mary Castle ELC Winding Ridge
Elementary Magnet Schools
International Studies
Communication
Sunnyside Mary Castle
Amy Beverland Crestview
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
Environmental Studies
Indian Creek Skiles Test
Oaklandon Brook Park Inquiry & The Performing Arts
Winding Ridge Harrison Hill
Spanish Immersion
Forest Glen Skiles Test
Middle Schools
Special Programs
Belzer Fall Creek Valley
McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology
High Schools
Lawrence Advance Academy
Lawrence Central Lawrence North
We all want something to offer. This is how we belong. It’s how we feel included. We have to help everyone develop their talents and use their gifts for the good of the community. That’s what inclusion means — everyone is a contributor. Melinda Gates, Philanthropist, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
6501 Sunnyside Road I Indianapolis, Indiana 46236 I LTschools.org I 317. 423 . 8200
