Topeka, Kansas – The Kansas School Superintendents’ Association has selected Lawrence Superintendent Rick Doll as the 2014 Kansas Superintendent of the Year. Doll has led the Lawrence Public Schools since 2009. On Monday evening, Cheryl Semmel, executive director, made the announcement during the Lawrence USD 497 board meeting.
“Rick is a passionate advocate not only in his district, but for students statewide. He has demonstrated a clear commitment to preparing students to be successful, productive citizens and developing future leaders. His passion is deeply rooted in a belief that each child can learn,” says Cheryl Semmel, executive director of the Kansas School Superintendents’ Association.
Candidates for Superintendent of the Year are assessed according to their professionalism, communication, community involvement and leadership in meeting the needs of students. As Kansas Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Doll will be recognized at the KSSA Awards and Recognition Breakfast during the United School Administrators of Kansas annual convention in January, and considered for the National Superintendent of the Year program. In addition, KSSA provides a $1,000 scholarship to a high school senior selected by the Kansas Superintendent of the Year.
“I’m humbled by this recognition, which really speaks to my good fortune in working in several Kansas school districts with outstanding school board members, administrators, educators and support staff who truly care about what’s best for kids,” said Doll.
“The Lawrence community demands excellence from its public schools and backs that up by providing the support necessary to achieve it. Lawrence has much to celebrate in terms of student achievement gains, progress made toward closing achievement gaps, implementation of the blended learning instructional model, improvements in local graduation rates, extensive school facility and technology upgrades being made as a result of the school bond issue and community collaboration surrounding an expansion of career and technical education and training opportunities. All of these accomplishments stem from a district-wide focus on the school board’s goals of excellence, equity and engagement,” Doll added.
Dedicating his professional life to educational leadership and excellence, Doll has served the education profession for 38 years, as superintendent in Lawrence (2009-present), Louisburg (2005-09) and Rock Creek (1993-2005) school districts, an associate professor at Kansas State University (2002-04),
assistant superintendent in McPherson (1989-93), school principal in Wamego (1983-89) and Herington (1980-83) and a history and political science teacher at Herington High School (1976-79).
“Dr. Doll has done a tremendous job in the Lawrence district as he has expanded opportunities for students and worked collaboratively with community organizations. Rick is respected for his leadership and courage to think beyond the schoolhouse walls in order to provide learning opportunities for all students,” says Kansas Commissioner of Education Diane DeBacker.
Doll is a member of the American Association of School Administrators, the Kansas School Superintendents’ Association and the United School Administrators of Kansas. He chairs the McPherson College Board of Trustees. In addition to his educational leadership, Doll is active in various community and civic organizations, serving on the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Lawrence Inter-Generational Housing Board of Directors and the Lawrence Junior Achievement Board of Directors. He also is a member of the Lawrence Rotary Club.
He earned his bachelor’s degree from McPherson College in history and education and his master’s and Ed.D. in educational administration from Kansas State University. In 2002, the University Council for Educational Administratio...
