After a 29-year career in education, Lynda Allen, director of mathematics and sciences for Lawrence public schools, announced Friday she plans to retire at the end of this school year.

“I am grateful for the opportunities this district has given me as a teacher, coordinator and director,” Allen said in a prepared statement.

“Although the programs I coordinate are my passion, working with students and educators has given me the greatest joy.”

Allen received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Kansas University. She taught fifth grade for three years in Seaman School District 345 before coming to Lawrence in 1978.

Allen taught fifth and sixth grades at Schwegler School for 17 years. In 1995, she became science coordinator in the district’s curriculum department.

In 2001, she became the district’s director for mathematics and sciences. In that role, she has oversight of the district’s math, science, health and physical education curriculum, including textbook adoption and budgeting.

Allen also provides instruction support and professional development for teachers.

“Lynda has successfully guided this district through many curriculum changes in the areas of math and science over the years,” Superintendent Randy Weseman said.

Weseman said Allen helped to develop a model “hands-on, kit-based” science program and also a comprehensive health and wellness plan for local schools.

“She’s had a positive and indelible influence on our educational programs,” he said.