Philip Thies

The Lawrence school district has named a new principal of Quail Run Elementary School.

Philip Thies will begin his new position in July, the district announced Monday. Thies currently works in the district as a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) facilitating K-5 mathematics curriculum, instruction and assessment.

Philip Thies

“(Thies is) a strong collaborative leader, and because he knows Quail Run and has worked with our staff, he will hit the ground running,” incoming Lawrence schools Superintendent Kyle Hayden said in a news release.

Thies will replace Samrie Devin, who will become the district’s human resources director. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Kansas State University and his master’s at Pittsburg State University. He will complete his Ed.D. at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, this month.

Prior to his current position, Thies taught at the elementary level for 10 years in the Gardner and Blue Valley school districts. Thies said he is honored to be joining Quail Run as its new principal.

“I look forward to strengthening and building new relationships with our phenomenal students, families, teachers, staff and community members,” Thies said in the release. “Together we will continue to create a positive, productive and safe educational environment.”