photo by: Lawrence Public Schools

Julie Boyle

The executive director of communications of the Lawrence school district, Julie Boyle, will be retiring in July, according to an announcement from the district Thursday.

Boyle has been working for the school district for the last 27.5 years, Superintendent Jeanice Swift said in the release, noting that she has worked with nearly 50 board members and has attended more than 748 board meetings to keep the community informed.

Boyle said that she was “grateful for these years of professional collaboration with passionate and dedicated school board members, administrators, and school staff, leading continuous improvement efforts toward our community’s goals for our schools.”

In addition to media relations, her duties have included supporting staff and coordinating special events, including the district’s annual staff and volunteer recognition programs, fall convocations and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations.

“Julie Boyle has added immense value to the organization over her years of service; her work has had a positive and lasting impact on the lives of students,” Swift said in the press release. “Julie’s consistent support of students, teachers, staff, and school leaders, and her commitment to diligently and accurately tell the story of our neighborhood public schools has ensured that the stories of our students, teachers, and classrooms shine brightly as a celebration of learning and the excellence of Lawrence Public Schools.”

Boyle is a member and past president of the Kansas School Public Relations Association and earned its Distinguished Service Award in 2015.

She previously worked 8.5 years for KLWN/KLZR Radio, including as the station’s education reporter covering Lawrence Public Schools.

“My priorities have been building strong relationships across our district and community and providing honest and timely communication to foster trust, engagement, and advocacy for Lawrence Public Schools,” Boyle said in the release. “This truly is a special learning community made up of wonderful people. I will continue to cherish the lasting friendships and the opportunity to celebrate the critically important work of my personal heroes – teachers, including those who taught my son,” Boyle said.