photo by: Lawrence Public Schools

Christine Caffey

The Lawrence school district announced the selection of Christine Caffey as principal of Hillcrest Elementary School.

Starting July 1, 2025, Caffey will take on the role of principal at the school. She will succeed Sarah Kruse, who led Hillcrest for five years before accepting a building leadership position in Topeka, according to a press release from the Lawrence school district.

Caffey is a Hillcrest alumna who later returned to teach second grade at the school for eight years. This year, she worked as one of the district’s behavior support specialists, partnering with school teams to develop behavior support plans and coaching teachers on classroom management techniques to boost student engagement.

“It is with immense pride and gratitude that I step into the role of principal at Hillcrest, a school community that holds a special place in my heart,” Caffey said in the press release. “As both a former student and teacher, Hillcrest helped shape who I am, personally and professionally. To return now as its principal is both an honor and a privilege.”

“We are delighted with the selection of Christine Caffey as she rejoins the Hillcrest team as principal,” Superintendent Jeanice Swift said in the press release. “Her leadership in instruction, in nurturing relationships, supporting positive student behaviors, and ensuring equity and opportunity, as well as her prior experience and history in Lawrence Public Schools, make this selection a wise and strong match.”

Prior to joining the Lawrence school district, Caffey taught second grade in Leavenworth and earned her bachelor’s degree from Baker University and a master’s at Emporia State University.

“As a woman of color, I am deeply honored to serve a school community that reflects the diversity of our city. At Hillcrest – ‘Where the World Goes to School’ – we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to embrace every student’s identity while preparing them to thrive in a global society,” Caffey said in the release. “I am committed to fostering an inclusive, joyful, and academically excellent learning environment, where every child feels seen, heard, and valued. Together, we will write the next great chapter of Hillcrest’s story, and I couldn’t be more excited to begin.”