photo by: Contributed photo; Journal-World file photo

Pictured at left is Anita Carlson, assistant principal of Billy Mills Middle School, which is shown at right in a Nov. 3, 2018 file photo.

Anita Carlson, assistant principal of Billy Mills Middle School, plans to retire after 27 years with Lawrence Public Schools, according to a news release from the district.

Carlson has served as a learning coach and curriculum specialist, and she taught foreign languages in the district’s high schools after starting at what was then South Junior High in 1991, according to the news release. She also coached bowling and swimming and diving. She is in her second year in the BMMS assistant principal role.

“I admire and respect the work Lawrence teachers do and am humbled to have been a part of this district!” Carlson said in the release. “I may be taking leave of the profession, but I will always have the wonderful friendships that have come my way over the years.”

Pending school board approval, her retirement will be effective June 30, according to the release. The district will immediately begin the search to fill the position.