Post updated at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 22:
Lawrence Public Schools Executive Director of Communications Julie Boyle will retire from the district after more than 27 years in the position, according to a district news release Thursday.
Boyle is a native of Douglas County and joined USD 497 in 1998. She supported community and media relations, as well as helping plan and organize events in the district.
Boyle earned the Kansas School Public Relations Association’s Distinguished Service Award in 2015 and led the organization as president in 2018.
Boyle was also the voice of calls alerting district parents, students and teachers of snow day cancelations. The calls became the subject of social media memes and even a parody song.
“My priorities have been building strong relationships across our district and community and providing honest and timely communication to foster trust, engagement, and advocacy for Lawrence Public Schools,” Boyle said. “This truly is a special learning community made up of wonderful people. I will continue to cherish the lasting friendships and the opportunity to celebrate the critically important work of my personal heroes – teachers, including those who taught my son.”
Boyle earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and philosophy from Baker University and worked for more than eight years for KLWN/KZR radio, including a stint as an education reporter covering Lawrence.
“Julie Boyle has added immense value to the organization over her years of service; her work has had a positive and lasting impact on the lives of students,” Superintendent Jeanice Swift said in the release.
“Julie’s consistent support of students, teachers, staff, and school leaders, and her commitment to diligently and accurately tell the story of our neighborhood public schools has ensured that the stories of our students, teachers, and classrooms shine brightly as a celebration of learning and the excellence of Lawrence Public Schools,” Swift continued.
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