Superintendent Dr. Jeanice Kerr Swift announces the retirement of Executive Director of Communications Julie Boyle after 27 ½ years in this role, effective July 1 pending school board approval. “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. 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,” said Dr. Swift. “Across two jobs centered on communicating about our Lawrence Public Schools, she has worked with approximately 47 board members and attended more than 748 board meetings, keeping our community informed of board discussions and actions. This includes, in her present role with our district, helping us share information as part of four successful school bond issue elections totaling $259 million funding improvements to all school buildings. We are extremely grateful for Julie’s exemplary service,” Swift said. A Douglas County native, Boyle joined our district in 1998, supporting staff, community, and media relations and the coordination of special events, including our district’s annual staff and volunteer recognition programs, fall convocations, and Dr. Martin Luther King Junior celebrations. A member of Douglas County and Kansas Public Information Officers groups and the Kansas School Public Relations Association, Boyle earned KanSPRA’s Distinguished Service Award in 2015 and led the organization as president in 2018. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and Philosophy from Baker University, Boyle worked 8 ½ years for KLWN/KLZR Radio, including as the station’s education reporter covering Lawrence Public Schools. In this role, she also attended school board meetings and district and school events sharing information about our schools with the community. “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,” said Boyle. “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,” said Boyle. “I am grateful for these years of professional collaboration with passionate and dedicated school board members, administrators, and school staff, leading continuous improvement efforts toward our community’s goals for our schools. There is no doubt that the remarkable students graduating from Lawrence Public Schools have what it takes to change the world for the better,” she said.
