photo by: Contributed photo

Tony Barron

The Lawrence school district will be looking for a new facilities director as their current one has chosen to leave the position for a job in Johnson County.

Tony Barron, the district’s executive director of facilities and operations, is resigning from the position on Jan. 29, the district announced in a news release. He has accepted a similar position for the Blue Valley school district in Overland Park.

The district’s facilities and operations department oversees the district’s buildings, grounds, custodial, and maintenance functions. The district also credits Barron, who has been in the position since 2013, for overseeing many facility improvement projects in the district, including the ongoing $46 million renovation of Lawrence High School.

Lawrence Superintendent Anthony Lewis said in the release that he appreciates Barron’s work for providing safe, clean and efficient facilities.

“Tony’s strong interpersonal and leadership skills in the areas of personnel and financial management, custodial and maintenance services, and facilities planning and construction have served the district well in maintaining public school facilities in which the Lawrence community can be proud,” Lewis said.

Barron said he was thankful for the opportunity to serve the district community.

“I have been fortunate to develop lifelong relationships with many wonderful people,” Barron said in the release, noting he was part of 27 bond projects totaling more than $200 million. “I had a front row seat to the physical transformation of 20 schools and the addition of the college and career center. What an amazing ride.”

The district said it will immediately begin a search to fill the position.