The Lawrence school district may soon have a deputy superintendent.

It would be the highest post created by Supt. Randy Weseman, who eliminated assistant superintendent positions five years ago.

The deputy, whose salary and job description have yet to be worked out, would relieve Weseman of some responsibilities and fill his seat during Weseman’s absences. Weseman said it would enable him to focus more on “big picture” plans and issues.

“It’s hard for me to get out and be in the buildings and be in the community when (I’m) busy dotting i’s and crossing t’s,” Weseman said.

Weseman will not ask for additional funds for the position and will look internally for a candidate, he said.

School board member Cindy Yulich said having a deputy would better prepare the district for times when Weseman might be absent.

“There’s no succession plan,” Yulich said. “If anything happens to Randy, there’s no one up to speed to slide in there and protect the board and protect the district.”

Weseman said the position wasn’t a preparation for his retirement.

“No hidden meanings,” he said. “I don’t plan on retiring for years. : The school district isn’t about me. It’s about having a good system for kids.”

• More school news

More than five years ago, the district had at least two assistant superintendents.

Weseman, who was an assistant superintendent before taking the top seat in 2000, eliminated his former job and several others, including the other assistant superintendent and a finance executive director.

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

Weseman said he was working on a job description. The position could be filled this summer.