Lawrence school officials have selected Joni Appleman to replace Deerfield elementary principal Suzie Soyster, who has announced plans to retire in June.

Currently, Appleman is principal at Woodlawn elementary school. Her selection is subject to board approval. The board meets Feb. 13.

Now in her sixth year as principal at Woodlawn, Appleman was an elementary principal for four years in Topeka, where she also taught for four years. She has a bachelor’s degree in education from Kansas University, a master’s from Washburn University.

Soyster has been principal at Deerfield for 14 years. Her career in public education spans 29 years.

With an enrollment of 478 students, Deerfield is the district’s largest elementary school.