Lawrence Public Schools bids a fond farewell to six administrators this year with appreciation for their years of dedication, commitment, and service to our schools. • David Cunningham, executive director of human resources and chief legal counsel, 14 years • Tony Barron, executive director of facilities and operations, 7.5 years • Darcy Kraus, director of elementary schools, 8 years • Shannon Harrelson, Prairie Park Elementary principal, 2 years • Dr. Cynthia Johnson, Lawrence High interim principal, 2 years • Dr. Anna Stubblefield, deputy superintendent, 13 years
The district welcomes new leadership and congratulates administrators in new positions. • Human Resources Director Samrie Devin, now executive director of human resources • Dr. Larry Englebrick, executive director of facilities and operations • Southwest MS Principal Kristen Ryan, now director of elementary schools • Kennedy Elementary Principal Chalita Middleton, now Prairie Park principal • Jessica Bassett, Lawrence High principal • Billy Mills MS Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Dr. Carissa Miles, now Southwest MS principal
Substitute Teacher Awards
Substitute teaching can be a difficult assignment without the added challenges of a pandemic. The district appreciates all of its substitute teachers for being ready, willing, and able to jump in when needed and support the continuation of student learning and success. Congratulations to Morgan Hunter Education District Substitute Teacher of the Year Mike Nevels, New York Elementary; and to each of the 2020-2021 Building Substitute Teachers of the Year: Pam Mitchell, Broken Arrow; Mary Barke, Cordley; Barb Dreger, Deerfield; Kim Krannawitter, Hillcrest; Anna Davies, Early Childhood; Lauren Jennings, Kennedy; Staci Prawl, Langston Hughes;
State Honors Lawrence Educator 8
MAY 2021
Eileen Phelps, Pinckney; Lori Kemme, Prairie Park; Amy Stramberg, Quail Run; Jessica Walker, Schwegler; Sean Kellerman, Sunflower; Paulette Breithaupt, Sunset Hill; Erin Wood, Woodlawn; Karen Crowe, Billy Mills MS; Adam Hegemann, Liberty Memorial Central MS; Will Fernandez, Southwest MS; Henry Johns, West MS; Dana Tieperman, Free State HS; Linda Zohner, Lawrence HS; and Tim Cragg, Lawrence College & Career Center.
During its virtual Region 2 Kansas Teacher of the Year ceremony, the Kansas State Department of Education recognized Shari Flakus, Billy Mills Middle School AVID teacher, as a semifinalist in the statewide program. Lawrence’s 2020 Lawrence Secondary Teacher of the Year, Flakus will complete her 25th year serving students in the district in June.
Classified Staff Recognition Colleagues say that Emily Cates is the “hardest working secretary in high school athletics” and “the heartbeat of the athletic department” at Lawrence High. The superintendent recognized Cates’ outstanding service with a Class Act Award. Coaches praised Cates’ organization and communication skills, kindness, and generosity. “Emily is the glue that holds the athletic department together,” wrote nominators. Truity Credit Union presented Cates with $400. Payroll and Benefits Coordinator John Hays also earned a Class Act Award. It honors outstanding classified staff for fostering cooperation and open communication, working as an effective team member, successfully accomplishing professional tasks and goals, promoting trust and respect, and demonstrating leadership, accountability, a positive attitude, and a strong work ethic. His nomination read that John is, without a doubt, one of the biggest professional assets to the district. “We are lucky to have such an experienced person working on our team. John dedicates himself to his work wholeheartedly, and his attention to detail makes him exceptional.” According to his nomination, John has been in the office day in and day out during the hardest times of the pandemic, making payroll seamless for employees.
LHS Athletic Director Nick Wood congratulates Cates.
Tim Mock, Truity Credit Union business development officer, presents Hays with $400.
