Lawrence board reviews search report, community input and sets timeline for superintendent selection

Summary

At its Jan. 21, 2025 meeting the Lawrence Board of Education reviewed KASB’s report on focus-group and survey feedback for the superintendent search, requested additional outreach to Indigenous stakeholders, and set application and interview dates; the board also approved the meeting agenda and later adjourned by voice vote.

The Lawrence Board of Education on Jan. 21 reviewed a Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB) report summarizing focus-group sessions and a district survey as it moves through a superintendent search, directed additional outreach to Indigenous stakeholders and received a proposed timeline that sets the application deadline for Feb. 7 and candidate interviews Feb. 17–21.

KASB consultant Dr. Hart presented the search-team materials, saying the process combined small focus-group conversations and a broader online survey. "The highest personal quality is just that student centered, that kid-first personality," Hart said while reviewing ranked survey results. He told the board the packet includes both raw survey responses and a condensed themes sheet to help the board finalize candidate-screening characteristics.

Why it matters: The board is choosing a new superintendent to lead district strategy, instruction and community partnerships. The materials presented — focus-group notes, a summary of open-ended survey responses and ranked lists of desired personal and leadership qualities — will be used to screen applicants and shape interview questions.

Most of the substantive discussion focused on what the board…

Lawrence board reviews search report, community input and sets timeline for superintendent selection

Summary

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