The chief for Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical has filed to run for a seat on the Lawrence school board.

Mark Bradford, who filed Monday, said it’s a critical time for the district after three of its top administrators retire at the end of the year.

“I believe that for us to maintain the quality of service that we’ve become accustomed to in the school district, we need firm leadership on the board to ensure that we continue that with new administration,” he said.

Bradford’s family moved to Lawrence eight years ago when he became the assistant chief for the department. He was promoted to chief in 2005.

Bradford has served on several community boards, and his son, Zach, is a ninth-grader at Southwest Junior High School.

He said his 32 years in public service also would be an asset as a board member because he has participated in crafting budgets and employee negotiations.

His city department is also facing similar budget challenges, like school districts across the state, he said.

“Having had that direct experience in dealing with the revenue and expenditure equations, I think I have a very good background in continuing that process in even more difficult times,” Bradford said.

The election for the three at-large seats is April 7, and eight candidates have filed.