photo by: Chris Conde

Free State High School is pictured in this file photo from September 2018.

The longtime activities director at Free State High School will retire at the end of the school year.

The Lawrence school district announced this week that Lisa Boyd will retire on June 30. She has served as an assistant principal and director of activities since 1998, shortly after the school opened in the fall of 1997, said Julie Boyle, a spokeswoman for the school district.

“Free State High School has been my second home for the last 22 years,” Boyd said, according to a school district news release. “I have grown as an administrator during this time, but most importantly, I have experienced much personal growth from the relationships I have developed with students, dedicated teachers, and supportive staff.”

photo by: Contributed photo

Lisa Boyd

As director of activities, Boyd oversees the school’s nonathletic activities, including the performing arts, student clubs, student council and speech and debate, among several others.

Free State Principal Myron Graber said Boyd has been an integral part of the high school since its opening.

“Her outstanding service, dedication, and leadership will be missed by the Free State administration, staff, and students. We wish her the best in retirement,” Graber said.

Boyd’s retirement will conclude a 34-year career in public education. Prior to Free State High School, Boyd served as an assistant principal at Spring Hill High School in Johnson County and a language arts teacher at Derby High School, located in the Wichita area.

She also previously worked in post-secondary education, teaching English at Barton Community College in Great Bend and Butler Community College, which is also near Wichita. She earned an associate’s degree from Barton Community College and bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Fort Hays State University.

The Lawrence school board approved Boyd’s plan to retire during its meeting on Monday. Board Vice President Kelly Jones called Boyd’s years of service in education “extraordinary.”

“We appreciate the time you spent at Free State High School, in particular,” she said to Boyd. “Thank you for your service.”

The school district will begin a search to fill the position immediately, according to the news release. The school serves more than 1,800 students in grades 9-12.