Although their predecessors did what they could to smooth the transition for a new Lawrence school superintendent and three new school board members, the current economic situation almost guarantees that the newcomers will face some challenging times in the very near future.

Today’s retirement of Superintendent Randy Weseman represents a significant changing of the guard for the Lawrence district. Weseman spent his entire teaching and administrative career in the Lawrence schools, including the last 10 years in the superintendent’s job. He understands the challenges teachers face and has a genuine passion for students and making them successful. Despite some financial challenges, the Lawrence district has experienced a number of innovations and advancements under Weseman’s leadership, and we owe him our thanks for a job well done.

On Wednesday, Rick Doll will move into the superintendent’s office. He brings with him more than 30 years of teaching and administrative experience in Kansas school districts, most recently as superintendent of the Louisburg district. Lawrence is by far the largest district he has served, which may present some special challenges.

Also on Wednesday, the Lawrence district will say goodbye to three board members: Linda Robinson, who served two terms on the board, and Craig Grant and John Mitchell, who each served one. Being a school board member is perhaps the most important and time-consuming volunteer job in Lawrence, and those who serve also deserve the community’s gratitude.

When new board members Mark Bradford, Bob Byers and Vanessa Sanburn take their seats on the board Wednesday, they and Doll will face a budget that already has seen significant cuts forced by state funding reductions. Unfortunately, the revenue figures that will be compiled today for the end of the state’s fiscal year are unlikely to provide any relief. In fact, all indications point to the need for even more state funding cuts for K-12 schools.

Local residents have a right to make their wishes known about which cuts are most, and least, acceptable. However, they also should understand that almost no budget cut is acceptable to everyone. The current economic situation has demanded, and probably will continue to demand, some tough choices.

We trust that our new superintendent and board members will put their focus on the need to educate and prepare local youngsters for successful lives. We wish them well as they take on their new leadership roles.