Broken Arrow Elementary principal, director of secondary schools leaving posts

Two Lawrence Public Schools administrators will be leaving their posts at the end of June, the district announced in a news release Monday.

Broken Arrow Elementary Principal Heather Renk has accepted a high school principal position in St. Joseph, Missouri, and will be resigning at the end of the year. She joined the Lawrence school district in July 2020.

Director of Secondary Schools Rick Henry is retiring after 34 years of service to public schools, the last 10 of which have been in Lawrence.

It was unclear Monday when or whether the positions would be filled. The district is evaluating all staffing decisions as part of the Lawrence school board’s current budget planning process, the release stated.

“I have enjoyed my time in Lawrence Public Schools. Broken Arrow families have been incredible,” Renk said in the release. “They have high expectations of their children and the school and are incredibly supportive of the Broken Arrow community as a whole.”

“The staff at Broken Arrow has been dedicated to creating a positive school culture and climate for both staff and students while striving for academic excellence. We have made many changes, even in the midst of COVID-19, and my staff has embraced continual improvement. I will truly miss the Broken Arrow community,” she said.

Henry said in the release that he has appreciated the opportunity to learn and grow with his colleagues in the district, and he will mis the relationships he’s formed here.

“I especially appreciate the talented group of secondary administrators with whom I have worked closely and for whom I have a great deal of respect,” he said. “I am just as thankful for the opportunities I’ve had to work with so many dedicated educators in all secondary and adult education buildings.”

Both position changes are pending school board approval; if approved, they will be effective June 30.

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