It is an honor and a privilege to serve the community as a member of the board of education for Lawrence Public Schools. The motto of the school district, “Learning for All, Whatever it Takes," reflects my own belief that each and every student deserves the best education possible. We should have high expectations of our children. However, our schools cannot become truly great without the active involvement of parents and our partnerships with the community. I welcome comments and concerns from parents and community members.

My goals are:

• Focus on improving student achievement for all.
• Work in partnership with teachers, administrators, parents and the community to improve early childhood education.
• Ask questions to improve programs…for gifted youth, arts education, alternative high school services and at-risk students.
• Improve salaries and other benefits (especially retirement benefits) for our professional educators.
• Seek alternative school revenue sources and advocate that the Kansas Legislature adequately fund education.

I was educated at Purdue University and Illinois State University and moved to Kansas in 1977. I worked as a school psychologist in central Kansas and in Topeka. My doctorate from University of Kansas was awarded in 1991. I am currently employed as a Research and Testing Specialist for the Kansas City Kansas public schools. I formerly worked for the Lawrence school district as Director of Assessments and Grants. Since I came to Lawrence in 1992, I have been active in the community.

I have two children and three grandchildren. My daughter, Angelina, is married and lives in San Francisco. She has a daughter who is three years old. My son, Lee, lives in Lawrence with his wife, Leaa. They have two daughters: Kaleigh and Harper.

Thank you for your interest in Lawrence Public Schools. I hope you will share your thoughts and ideas with me.

Dr. Marlene Merrill