The Lawrence school district has announced Tina Mitchell as the next director of equity and student and family engagement, and Sara Murray as the next principal of Quail Run Elementary School.
Mitchell is currently assistant principal at Free State High School. She’s finishing up her 14th year at the school — three years in her current role following 11 as a school counselor.
“Our district leadership team worked with school board officers and the Equity Advisory Committee to redesign this leadership position to meet district goals around culturally responsive systems and to support the current needs of students and families,” the district announced in a news release Monday evening. “Mitchell will help define, evaluate, and analyze the effectiveness of family engagement initiatives on student learning, academic success, attendance, and family participation. Working in collaboration with parents and guardians, she will lead efforts to develop meaningful engagement to support education, social services, health, disabilities, and volunteer activities.”
Mitchell said it’s been a privilege to support the students, staff and families at FSHS.
“This new opportunity excites me, and I am eager to collaborate in ways that enhance our schools and strengthen our community,” Mitchell said in the release. “I am truly grateful for the support and experiences that have shaped my journey, and I look forward to the work ahead.”
Mitchell earned a bachelor’s degree at KU and master’s degrees at KU and Emporia State University, according to the release.
Murray is wrapping up her first year as assistant principal and athletic director at Billy Mills Middle School. She previously served two years as the director of field experiences in KU’s School of Education and Human Sciences, according to the release. She also previously supported classroom educators as a curriculum and instructional learning coach for four years in the district.
Murray said in the release that she has been fortunate to work alongside the BMMS staff, and she’s honored and excited to continue serving the Lawrence community as Quail Run principal.
“Together, we will continue to discover, develop, and inspire future leaders in every aspect of life,” she said in the release.
Murray earned a bachelor’s degree at Pittsburg State University and master’s degrees at Emporia State University, and she is completing her doctorate at Baker University, according to the release.
Cynthia Emery currently holds the interim Quail Run principal position, following the promotion of James Polk to a central office administrative role.
Both positions were approved by the Lawrence school board Monday evening and will be effective July 1. The district will immediately begin a search to fill both upcoming vacant positions, according to the release.
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Note: This post has been updated based on corrected information from the school district.
This post is by the Lawrence Times news team.
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