Tonight at a school board meeting, Interim Superintendent Dr. Jeanice Kerr Swift announced the selection of Assistant Principal Tina Mitchell as the Director of Equity and Student and Family Engagement for USD 497 for the 2025-26 school year.

Mitchell will finish the year at Free State as an assistant principal for students with the last name (L-Ri) and begin her job at the district level effective July 1.

Her new role is meant to “meet district goals around culturally responsive systems and to support the current needs of students and families”, according to a USD497 news release.

Moreover, Mitchell’s role will focus on education, social services, health, disabilities and volunteer activities for district families and students.

“We welcome to our district administrative team the addition of Ms. Mitchell, a leader who will enhance this critical effort, and we are ready to move forward together. I am especially grateful to the staff and community members who gave of their time to contribute to this selection process. We look forward to this next great chapter in the Lawrence Public Schools,” Swift said in the release.

Mitchell earned a bachelor’s degree at KU and master’s degrees at KU and Emporia State University.

The search for Mitchell’s replacement will begin immediately. Read the brief released by the school district here. For more coming information, see @FSJournalism on Instagram.