The Lawrence school district has announced new interim principals for Quail Run Elementary School and New York Montessori: Jeremy Philipp and Virginia Gwyn, respectively.
The district will launch a full selection process for both permanent positions in the late fall, seeking input from staff, families and the community, according to announcements.
Philipp, who served as Sunset Hill Elementary School principal for eight years and as Southwest Middle School assistant principal and athletic director during this past year, is “well-known across the community for his commitment to students, families, and community,” according to the announcement.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Policy from the University of Kansas, his Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado at Denver, and his Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership from the University of New Mexico.
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He has also previously worked in a variety of roles including teacher, instructional coach and outdoor education director, according to the announcement.
Philipp said he’s excited and grateful to join the Quail Run community and to be a part of a school with “such a strong tradition of caring for students and families.”
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“I am looking forward to connecting with the staff, students, and families who make Quail Run such a special place,” he said in the announcement. “Together, we will celebrate the school’s many strengths while supporting every student as they grow academically, socially, and emotionally to become the very best version of themselves.”
Sara Murray, who was Quail Run principal for the past year, will next serve as an assistant principal at Langston Hughes Elementary School, according to district personnel reports.
Gwyn, who will serve as interim principal at New York, earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Ohio University and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Concordia University in Austin, Texas, according to a district announcement.
She previously served as principal of an early childhood center in Lewisville, Texas, for six years through 2025.
“During a cross country family move, she has served this last school year as Lead PreK Teacher at the Mizzou Child Development Lab in Columbia, Missouri,” according to the announcement. She also served in building leadership positions at a school in Little Elm, Texas, “after various instructional and teaching positions held in Texas schools,” according to the announcement.
Gwyn said it’s an honor to be named to the position.
“Through intentional relationships and thoughtful collaboration, I strive to support the campus as they continue to create a learning environment that embraces all students using the Montessori approach,” Gwyn said in the announcement. “Creating a school family where all members of the learning community feel valued and supported is essential to ensure our scholars are set up for success.”
Brian Workman, New York principal since July 2024, will move into an instructional systems coach position, according to district personnel reports.
Both interim principal positions are effective July 1.
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