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Lawrence USD 497 superintendent highlights graduations, retirements and interim principal appointment
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Swift summarized end-of-year events, staff retention statistics, summer meal programs and named Denise Johnson interim principal at Prairie Park; the board also recognized long-serving communications director Julie Boyle and approved routine consent items.
Dr. Swift, superintendent of Lawrence Public Schools, reported on May 27 that the district celebrated graduations across its high schools and adult education programs, announced several retirements, described summer support programs for families and named Denise Johnson interim principal at Prairie Park Elementary.
In her report to the Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education, Dr. Swift said the district greeted “a little over 900 members of the class of 2025” and noted other graduates including transition and Project SEARCH participants and adult diploma and GED earners. She congratulated student achievements and referenced programs such as the district podcast that features voices from the Class of 2025.
The superintendent said the district counted 73 employee exits so far for the 2024–25 year, about half the five-year average of 146.4, and described that as progress toward greater staff stability. Dr. Swift also announced free summer meal distributions and meal-kit pickup logistics (pre-registration required; pick-up times and locations posted on the USD 497 website).
Dr. Swift announced that Denise Johnson will serve as interim principal at Prairie Park Elementary, calling Johnson “well known in the Prairie Park community” and saying the district will conduct a robust principal search this fall with community engagement. The superintendent said Johnson will partner with local leader Darcy Krauss on trauma-informed leadership work at Prairie Park.
The board recognized Julie Boyle, executive director of communications, for 27½ years of service; Dr. Swift said Boyle helped the district through four successful bond elections totaling $259,000,000 and worked with “approximately 47 board members” during her tenure. Janice Dunn, board clerk and executive assistant, was also thanked publicly for her support; the meeting introduced Nikki Nauman as incoming board clerk.
The board approved the meeting agenda (vote recorded as 5–0) and later approved the consent agenda including routine personnel and procurement items (vote recorded as 7–0). No substantive changes to district policy or new contracts were adopted during those votes; the consent agenda motion passed by roll call.
District next steps noted by Dr. Swift included the posted assistant superintendent for teaching and learning position and continued transition support through June and July for teaching-and-learning leadership.
