photo by: Courtesy of Lawrence school district

Brandon Daley

Lawrence Superintendent Anthony Lewis has announced an internal candidate as his selection for principal of Woodlawn Elementary School, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

Elementary instructional coach and academic interventionist Brandon Daley has been selected as the school’s next principal, effective July 1, pending school board approval.

Daley will succeed Jayci Roberson, who is in her fifth year leading Woodlawn and who is transitioning to the role of director of elementary schools for the district.

Lewis called Daley a highly effective classroom teacher and learning coach at Woodlawn.

“Brandon’s a great choice to continue providing leadership through strong community building, collaboration with teachers and staff, and data driven instructional decision making,” Lewis said in a news release.

Prior to his current role, Daley served as a classroom teacher for seven years at Woodlawn and as the head soccer coach for 10 years at Lawrence High School. He previously worked as a special education paraeducator for four years at the former Kennedy Elementary and a group leader for four years with the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence, according to the release.

The district presented Daley its Lawrence Horizon Award as an exemplary new elementary educator in 2018. The state selected him for Kansas Horizon Award honors, and the Lawrence Schools Foundation awarded Daley its $5,000 Dedication to Education Award in 2023.

Daley earned bachelor’s degrees from the University of Kansas and Fort Hays State University and a master’s from Emporia State University.

“Woodlawn has been my home for almost a decade, so I know how special it is to steer this ship,” Daley said in the release. “…We have an exceptional staff and the coolest kids in town. My job is to partner with parents, staff, and the community to ensure Woodlawn remains a place where every Riverhawk feels valued, supported, and inspired to do great things. North Lawrence will get my very best.”

Woodlawn serves 238 K-5 students at 408 Elm St. in North Lawrence.

Daley invites alumni, former staff and the entire community to celebrate the school’s centennial from 4 to 7 p.m. on May 18. The celebration will include food trucks, live music, building tours, student videos and art, and a bounce house. All proceeds will benefit the Woodlawn Inspiring the Next Generation scholarship.