photo by: Lawrence school district

Joni Appleman

The principal of Lawrence’s Deerfield Elementary will retire at the end of the current school year, according to a news release Friday from the Lawrence school district.

Joni Appleman is in her 18th year at Deerfield and her 24th year as a school administrator in the district. She plans to retire June 30, 2024.

“An outstanding school leader and one of the district’s longest serving principals, Joni is a go-to for her colleagues for guidance, information, and resources,” Superintendent Anthony Lewis said in the release. “She has developed strong bonds with her staff and community, which has become a close-knit school family.”

Before leading Deerfield, Appleman served as principal of Woodlawn Elementary for four years and at both Woodlawn and the former Grant school for two years. Her previous experience includes eight years with the Topeka district.

“I have had the privilege of working with dedicated, caring staff and wonderful students and families, and for that, I am truly grateful. I am also extremely proud of the accomplishments of our school community,” Appleman said in the release.

The district will advertise the principal position and develop an advisory committee of Deerfield teachers, staff and parents to assist in the interview process. The committee will provide feedback to the superintendent, who will make a recommendation to the school board.