School of Education honors KCK superintendent
LAWRENCE – Cynthia Lane, superintendent of schools for Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools, has been selected to receive the 2018 Friend of Education Award from the University of Kansas School of Education.
The Friend of Education Award is given annually to recognize individuals whose work has strengthened education for students in Kansas and beyond. Lane was nominated by members of the School of Education's faculty and administration for her distinguished record of professional leadership, service and support of education in Kansas.
Lane has worked more than 35 years in education, 30 of them in the Kansas City, Kansas, public school district. She has been a classroom teacher, principal, assistant superintendent of business and instructional support services, and director of special education. She began as superintendent in 2010 and recently announced that she will retire June 30.
"As superintendent, Dr. Lane has been a prominent leader in the state. She has moved Kansas City, Kansas, in ways that similar urban districts have struggled to accomplish," said Rick Ginsberg, dean of the School of Education. "Her work is widely recognized across the state, and she has been a thoughtful and outspoken voice for the children of Kansas City and beyond. She is a shining example of how graduates of the School of Education are impacting our communities, and we are proud to honor an outstanding Jayhawk."
Lane received a doctorate in education/special education administration from KU in 1999. She completed a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in behavioral disorders, both from Pittsburg State University. Lane has received several other awards, including the 2017 Distinguished Service Award and the 2016 Kansas Superintendent of the Year, both from the Kansas School Superintendents' Association and the 2016 Educator of the Year from the Kansas PTA. More information about Lane and her career can be found here.
The 2018 Friend of Education Award was presented to Lane on May 4 at Joseph R. Pearson Hall during the School of Education's annual awards ceremony.
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