Craig Grant, a longtime lobbyist for the state teachers’ union, is expected to announce his candidacy for a position on the Lawrence school board next week.

“I’ve not officially filed,” said Craig Grant, 59. “But I’ve named a campaign treasurer — Dave Adams (president) at Emprise Bank.”

Grant, who lives in Lawrence, was chief lobbyist and political director at the Topeka-based Kansas-National Education Association for 22 years. He retired in 2003.

“Having worked in education my entire adult life, I think I have some experience when it comes to bringing diverse groups together to make decisions,” Grant said. “I can build bridges.”

Three of the school board’s seven at-large positions will be on the April 5 general election ballot. Incumbents Leni Salkind and Austin Turney have said they will not seek re-election.

The filing deadline is Jan. 25. If more than six candidates file, there will be a primary election on March 1.