The Lawrence school district may soon have a deputy superintendent.

Superintendent Randy Weseman said he’s exploring restructuring staff to include a second-in-command for the 2005-06 school year.

The deputy would relieve Weseman of some responsibilities and fill in the superintendent’s seat in his absence.

“I’m going to reorganize and probably use somebody from within the system,” Weseman said. “If something does happen to me there’s obviously an identifiable person next in line.”

Weseman said the position will not add to overall administrative costs. At least one vacated administrative position has freed up funds that could support the deputy’s salary, he said.

The district in the past has had two or three assistant superintendents. Weseman, who was an assistant superintendent before taking the top seat in 2000, eliminated assistant superintendent positions.

The district currently has no assistant superintendents. In past administrations, the district has had two or three assistant superintendents.

School board member Leonard Ortiz said the board doesn’t want Weseman to burn out by assuming too many responsibilities.

“Randy is a very good motivator,” board member Cindy Yulich said. “He’s very good when he’s with people, and he never has time to get into buildings anymore.”