Lawrence school district hires assistant principal and athletics director at Billy Mills Middle School

photo by: Lawrence Public Schools

Courtney Ellis

The Lawrence school district has selected a student support specialist at West Middle School to serve as the next assistant principal and athletics director at Billy Mills Middle School.

Courtney Ellis will succeed Sara Murray, who will serve as principal of Quail Run Elementary next year after one year in the middle school role, according to a press release from the Lawrence school district. Ellis will begin her position as assistant principal and athletics director at Billy Mills on July 1, 2025.

“It was clear during the interview process that Courtney Ellis was a perfect fit for our school,” Andrew Taylor, principal of Billy Mills, said in the press release. “She has worked closely with educators, staff, and families to enhance student learning, support, and success. She brings energy, enthusiasm, and a strong passion for middle school education to the position.”

Ellis began working for the school district in 2018 as an academic interventionist, supporting reading and math instruction at Deerfield and Quail Run. Ellis then spent time as a classroom teacher at Schwegler and Quail Run, and she currently serves as a student support facilitator at West Middle School.

“Being a product of Lawrence and USD 497, I’m deeply honored and excited to step into the role of assistant principal and athletic director at Billy Mills Middle School,” Ellis said in the press release. “As an educator of color, I’m especially passionate about serving the diverse community that shaped me, and I’m truly humbled to have the opportunity to give back in such a meaningful way.”

Ellis graduated from Lawrence High School in 2009, having previously attended West Junior High and Hillcrest Elementary. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas and later completed her master’s degree at Fort Hays State University.

“I’m committed to building supportive, inclusive, and student-centered environments, and I look forward to partnering with Dr. Taylor and the entire dedicated Cougar Community,” she said.