photo by: Contributed photos

Sarah Kruse, left, has been named the new principal of Hillcrest Elementary School, and Andrew Taylor, right, has been named the new principal for Billy Mills Middle School.

The Lawrence school district on Monday announced the selection of two new principals for the 2020-21 school year.

Superintendent Anthony Lewis has named Sarah Kruse as the new leader of Hillcrest Elementary School and Andrew Taylor as the new leader of Billy Mills Middle School. They are expected to begin their new roles on July 1, pending school board approval, according to a news release.

Kruse is currently serving her second year as an assistant principal of Brookside Charter School in Kansas City, Mo. Previously, she was an instructional coach at the school for two years and a teacher leader for six years.

Kruse also served as a paraeducator for three years at Marillac Therapeutic Day School in Blue Springs, Mo. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas, master’s degree at Rockhurst University and a specialist degree in educational administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

“Sarah has a strong focus on equity, instructional leadership, fostering a culture of learning, and data driven decision making. She is a great fit for Hillcrest and as a member of our administrative team,” Lewis said in the release.

Kruse will replace Tammy Becker, who is retiring after serving as principal for Hillcrest for 19 years. Hillcrest, one of two district cluster sites serving English language learners, currently serves 344 students in grades K-5.

Taylor is currently serving his seventh year as an assistant principal for the Kansas City, Kan., school district. He has also taught in the Blue Valley school district in Overland Park for seven years, and in Olathe schools for three years.

Taylor earned his bachelor’s degree at Baker University, a master’s at Emporia State University and his doctorate at Baker.

“A relationship builder with a collaborative and student-focused leadership style, Andy will be a great addition to the Billy Mills’ school community and our administrative team,” Lewis said in the release.

Taylor will replace Keith Jones, who resigned from the position to become a high school principal in Platte County, Mo. Billy Mills Middle School currently serves 600 students in grades 6-8.