Assistant school superintendent to resign

The Lawrence school district announced Friday afternoon that assistant superintendent Adam Holden will resign, effective June 30.

Holden, who is finishing his first year in the district, cited “personal family reasons” for resigning.

“Leaving Lawrence Public Schools is a difficult decision to make,” Holden said in a statement released by the school district. “In the short time that I have spent here, I have appreciated the opportunities and support afforded me. This decision was made out of personal need and not due to any professional concerns.”

Holden heads the district’s teaching and learning division. That division supervises curriculum, instruction, assessments, student intervention services, professional development, planning and program improvement, instructional technology and library media services.

Shortly after voters approved a $92.5 million bond issue last month, the Lawrence school board approved a reorganization plan that splits the division into two by spinning off some of its functions into a new division for technology and educational programs.

The plan also reduces the number of administrators working in the district’s central office by shifting “curriculum specialist” positions to “teachers on special assignment” who will work directly in the schools.

“Adam brought to our district a wide variety of educational experiences as a proven leader in public and private school systems and at the university level,” superintendent Rick Doll said. “While his time with us was short, he helped the district to shape a plan to achieve its excellence, equity and engagement goals.”

Doll said that Angelique Kobler, division director of curriculum and instruction, will take over as assistant superintendent of teaching and learning effective July 1.

The district will immediately begin a search for an assistant superintendent of technology and educational programs, Doll said.