Communications Office

Lawrence Public Schools Communications Office oversees staff, public, and media relations and district communications to inform, educate, maintain transparency, and cultivate advocacy and trust with our community.

Our Team

Executive Director of Communications

The Executive Director of Communications, Jake Potter, serves as a key member of the district’s Executive Leadership Team, leading all internal and external communications to support the Superintendent, Lawrence Board of Education, and district vision. This role develops and implements comprehensive communication strategies, oversees media, government, and community relations, and ensures transparent, timely messaging across platforms, including crisis communication and digital media.

The Executive Director manages and mentors the Communications Office, builds staff capacity, and fosters strong community partnerships. Acting as the district’s spokesperson, the role promotes trust, alignment, and engagement while highlighting district initiatives, achievements, and priorities.

Coordinator of Communications

The Coordinator of Communications, Summer Workman, reports to the Executive Director of Communications and supports all communication efforts with a focus on community and stakeholder outreach, cultivating strong relationships between the district, families, students, and the broader Lawrence community. This role ensures welcoming experiences from enrollment through ongoing engagement, highlights opportunities and supports and promotes postsecondary readiness, and advances district connections.

Through a restorative approach, the coordinator fosters community partnerships, strengthens family ties to the district, enhances programming, and develops strategies that increase student support and enrich connections with local organizations, businesses, and higher education.

Multimedia Communications Coordinator

The Multimedia Communications Coordinator, Andrew Beaven, reports to the Executive Director of Communications. The multimedia coordinator shares photos, films and edits videos, creates digital graphics, hosts the district's podcast, develops district webpages, and utilizes social media and the district's website to highlight the everyday teaching and learning happening in our classrooms and tell the story of Lawrence Public Schools.

Staff Recognition

Thank you for helping us recognize the many exemplary educators and support staff we are fortunate and grateful to call members of our team.

Please send letters of recommendation to the Superintendent in care of the Communications Office to nominate classroom teachers for our annual Lawrence Master Teacher Award and Lawrence Teacher of the Year Awards and to honor classified support staff with our fall and spring Class Act Awards. Click the links below to learn more about all of our Staff Recognition Awards and submit a letter of recommendation and/or nomination for a staff member. Thank you to our Lawrence Education Achievement Partner, Truity Credit Union, for sponsoring our staff recognition program!

As part of the district's strategic plan's focus on Effective Employees, each school and educational support site regularly recognizes outstanding staff for their dedicated service. Please submit a nomination to recognize school principals, educators, and support staff for their dedication and commitment to student achievement and success.

LPS Staff Awards     Submit a Recommendation

Public Record Requests

The school board appoints the Executive Director of Communications to serve as our district's Freedom of Information Officer—supporting public record requests. Please read more about record requests and complete, sign, and submit our Record Request Form for copies of public records by clicking the links below.

About Record Requests     Record Request Form

Questions or Suggestions?

Do you have a question or suggestion? Please feel free to contact us!