At its July 11th meeting, the Dayton Public Schools Board of Education voted to appoint Dr. David Lawrence as the Interim Superintendent to lead the district next school year. Dr. Lawrence will assume the position of Interim Superintendent immediately.

“We are very pleased that Dr. Lawrence will serve as Interim Superintendent,” Board President Dr. Chrisondra Goodwine said. “He has a long history with the district and is a DPS graduate himself. We are excited for him to step into this role.”

Dr. Lawrence has 27 years of experience in public education, and has served as the district’s Business Manager since September. In this role, he oversaw several departments, including Operations, Transportation, Nutrition Services, and Procurement.

Lawrence is a 1984 graduate of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. He began his work with the district in 1995, and has taught at Edwin Joel Brown Middle School, Meadowdale High School, has served as Assistant Principal at Stivers School for the Arts, and Principal at Thurgood Marshall STEM High School. He has also served as the Chief Academic Officer for the Dayton Regional STEM School, Chief of School Innovation for Dayton Public Schools, and Principal of Northmoor Elementary School.

“It is a true honor and privilege to be stepping into the role of Interim Superintendent,” said Dr. Lawrence. “As a product of DPS, I care deeply about the staff and students, and look forward to a strong start to the school year.”

The Board of Education will soon be seeking an Interim Business Manager to take over Dr. Lawrence’s current duties. The Board of Education also plans to continue its ongoing search for a permanent Superintendent this year.

“The Board of Education is taking the search for the next Superintendent very seriously and intends to find the best person to step into this role,” Dr. Goodwine said. “It is imperative that whoever is chosen can continue to lead our district in the right direction, and understands the challenges facing urban districts and students.”

The district will provide more information about the Superintendent search as the process continues this school year.