photo by: Lawrence Public Schools

Mike Gillman, interim principal at Lawrence High School, and Loralea Hubert, lead principal of Kennedy Early Childhood Center and Early Childhood Programs.

The Lawrence school district has selected Mike Gillman as the interim principal for Lawrence High School, and Loralea Hubert will lead early childhood programs.

Gillman will begin serving as the interim principal at LHS on July 1. He is taking the position after former principal Quentin Rials died in May, as the Journal-World reported. Gillman has worked at LHS since 2021, and he currently serves as associate principal.

“I am excited and honored to step into the role of Interim Principal at Lawrence High School,” Gillman said in the press release. “The unwavering support from our community is what makes Lawrence High School truly exceptional, and I feel it every day since I’ve been part of this school. I am dedicated to leading our Chesty Lion family toward even greater achievements, ensuring that staff, students, and our entire community can celebrate what we accomplish together.”

Before serving as associate principal, Gillman was the assistant principal and athletic director at LHS. He has also been the assistant principal and athletic director at Liberty Memorial Central Middle School.

Gillman earned his bachelor of science in elementary education from Haskell Indian Nations University and his masters of education and masters of school leadership from Baker University.

“In selecting Mr. Gillman as Interim Principal, we gain a school leader with a demonstrated commitment to the students, staff and community of Lawrence High School,” Superintendent Jeanice Swift said in the release. “Mr. Gillman will partner with the exemplary LHS team in continuing the excellent work in service to students first, to ensure a Chesty Lion culture of belonging, strengthen community connections in support of students, and extend the long tradition of excellence that is Lawrence High School.”

There will be a full selection process beginning late fall to find the permanent principal at LHS. The process will feature engagement of LHS students, staff and families as well as the community, the release said.

Hubert has been named as the lead principal of the Kennedy Early Childhood Center and early childhood programs in the school district, and she will begin serving in the position July 1.

Hubert previously served as the director of early childhood for the Auburn-Washburn school district since July 2023, and prior to that, she worked in the East Central Kansas Cooperative in Education; the De Soto school district; the American International School of Muscat in Muscat, Oman; and Manhattan-Ogden Public Schools. She also worked previously for the Lawrence school district from 2009-2014 as an early childhood special education teacher.

“I am honored to join the district and excited to become part of a community that values and recognizes the impact of early childhood education,” Hubert said in the release. “I look forward to listening, learning, and building relationships with staff, families, and community partners as we work together to create meaningful opportunities for our youngest learners.”

Hubert earned her bachelor of science in communication sciences and disorders from Kansas State University; and a masters of arts in early childhood education from the University of Kansas.

“It’s an exciting step as we add Ms. Loralea Hubert to team LPS; with her selection, we add experience, expertise, and a demonstrated commitment to our youngest children and families that will support, strengthen, and realize the potential of quality early childhood experiences at Kennedy Early Childhood Center and across Lawrence Public Schools,” Swift said in the release. “We know the transformative impact of quality early learning in a child’s educational experience and life, and look forward to taking the next exciting steps with Ms. Hubert in supporting our impressive preschool team and in moving forward.”