photo by: Contributed

Kathy Branson

The Lawrence school district has announced the retirement of West Middle School Principal Kathy Branson.

Branson, who has worked for the district for 30 years, will resign effective June 30, 2022, pending school board approval, according to a district news release. She has been at West for 29 years, and was named principal in February after previously serving as interim principal.

Branson earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Kansas and a master’s at Emporia State University. She taught one year at South and Central Junior Highs, now Billy Mills and Liberty Memorial Central Middle Schools. At West, she served as assistant principal and athletic director for nine years and taught math for 19 years.

“When I was hired 29 years ago to teach math and geography at West Junior High, I never imagined the career I would have here,” Branson said in a news release. “West Middle School is a special place, and I consider myself lucky to have been part of it for so many years and to end my career as principal.”

Superintendent Anthony Lewis expressed gratitude for Branson’s years of service.

“I am grateful for the lasting contributions Kathy has made to the West Middle School community,” Lewis said. “I hope she enjoys good health, happiness, and many exciting adventures with her family in retirement.”

The release states that the district is evaluating all staffing vacancies as part of the school board’s budget planning process.