Lawrence public schools Superintendent Rick Doll is accepting applications for members on the district’s equity council.

“The equity council will advise the school board and provide feedback as work progresses on board goals, including closing achievement gaps and improving graduation rates, planning by the elementary school facility vision task force and reconfiguration to sixth- to eighth-grade middle schools and four-year high schools,” said Kim Bodensteiner, the district’s chief academic officer.

The district is encouraging interested high school students, parents, school staff and community members to apply before July 16 at the district’s website, usd497.org.

The school board organized the council in 1986. Its mission is to seek to assure that all students and staff, regardless of their diversity, have equal access to opportunities for carrying out their respective roles and responsibilities.

Bob Arevalo, a division director of human resources for classified staff, said current equity council members were asked to reapply as well. He said the district is looking for a diverse cross-section representing Lawrence to advise the school board.