Lawson R-XIV School District

The Lawson BOE is pleased to announce that Mrs. Madison Taylor will be joining Southwest Elementary for the 2024-25 school year. Mrs. Taylor grew up in Glenwood, MO where she graduated from Schuyler R-1. She then attended Missouri State University where she majored in Early Childhood Education. Upon graduating, she substituted in grades PK-12. She then married Gregory Taylor and they moved to Maryland where he was stationed. While there, she taught PK and Kindergarten. They have recently moved back to the area. "Growing up I always knew I wanted to be a teacher as I had a outstanding teachers in my life. I think back to my experiences in school and the teachers I learned the most from were teachers I had created relationships with. They made me feel safe and welcomed, which in return allowed me to take chances and push myself, and that is what I personally try to provide for my students. I want them to want to come to school feeling like they belong along with allowing them to feel safe to push themselves within their education. Lastly, I believe that learning is a lifelong process and I want my students to be as passionate about learning as I am."

Heartfelt Thanks for Supporting the School Bond Initiative Dear Lawson Community, On behalf of the Lawson R-XIV students, staff, and board of education, I express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you, our valued community members, for your unwavering support in passing the recent school bond initiative. Your commitment to our community's education system speaks volumes about your dedication to the well-being and future success of our children and our community. The overwhelming support we received for the bond initiative demonstrates a shared belief in the importance of investing in our schools and providing our students with the resources they need to thrive. Your approval has paved the way for crucial improvements and advancements in our educational infrastructure, ensuring a brighter future for our entire school community. Your support benefits our current students and enriches the community by fostering an environment where learning and growth are valued and prioritized. Together, we are building a stronger foundation for our community's future prosperity and success. Once again, thank you for your incredible support and for recognizing the significance of investing in education. Your generosity and commitment to our schools are not just for today but for the future. With heartfelt gratitude, Dr. Michael Stephenson, Superintendent of Schools Lawson R-XIV

The Lawson R-XIV School District wants to remind you to vote tomorrow, Tuesday, April 2, 2024. The District will have a No-Tax-Increase Bond issue on the ballot. The money from this bond issue will be used to Maintain Existing Facilities, Enhance Safety Measures, Modernize Classroom Tech and Equipment, and Improve Accessibility for those with Disabilities. Thank you. Click the Community Presentation link for more information: https://5il.co/2hfw3

🐣🌷Wishing our Lawson Cardinals community a Happy Easter! 🌷🐇#WeAreLawson

Click the link to review the Community Meeting presentation from Tuesday, March 26. https://5il.co/2hfw3

What will the cost be for individual taxpayers if the issue is passed? Thanks to sound financial management, Lawson R-XIV can ask for a bond without raising taxes. The $6 million bond will not require an increase in the district’s current debt service levy. Approval of the April Bond Issue will continue at the current .95 cents levy, the set rate since the mid-1990s. This is a result of the sound stewardship of past superintendents and Boards of Education in finding opportunities for refinancing existing bonds for better rates and making early pre-payments on principal. We will continue carefully monitoring our debt and interest rates to save taxpayer dollars.

A Spring Message From Dr. Stephenson https://5il.co/2hg54

Current Classified Job Openings *Evening Custodian The Lawson R-XIV School District is seeking a dedicated Evening Custodian to join our team and contribute to maintaining our facilities to the highest standards. Click the link to learn more and apply: https://5il.co/2hbr1

Community Informational Meeting tomorrow evening: Tuesday, March 26th at 6:30 pm Lawson Middle School Commons Please join us to learn about the upcoming April 2, 2024, No Tax Rate Increase Bond issue.

The Lawson BOE is pleased to announce that Mrs. Kim Kern will be joining Southwest Elementary for the 2024-25 school year. Kim grew up in Raytown and then later graduated in 2001 from Southwest Baptist University with a bachelor's degree in psychology and minor in counseling. She spent several years working with Children's Division in Clay County and Platte County as a social worker. After staying home with her children, she began substitute teaching. She has been a substitute teacher for the Kearney School District and has served as a buikding level substitute at Southview Elementary. Last year, she pursued her teaching certificate through ABCTE (American Board for Certification of Teaching Excellence). "I decided to become a teacher to make a positive impact on the lives of children, and to engage them in meaningful learning experiences. I believe that teaching is a highly rewarding profession that allows me to change the lives of students to provide them with the skills necessary to build character and achieve success. It is my mission to instill the love of lifelong learning and to ensure that students I come in contact with are capable of thriving in today's world. I believe that developing a relationship with the students and their families is very important. Home and school go hand in hand in developing successful learners. It is one of the most important keys to the students' success."

Congratulations to sophomore Brooks Blair on earning honorable mention for his February Photo of the Month competition entry to MIJA (Missouri Interscholastic Journalism Association), the state student journalism organization. Lanidrac yearbook staff members submit entries each month and then we select the best from those to enter as our one allotted entry in the state monthly competition.

Click the link to access the March BOE Meeting Recap. https://5il.co/2gwbn

March Board Spotlights: During their recent board meeting, the Lawson BOE had the opportunity to celebrate and recognize Mrs. Amy Olinger – SW Elementary / Reading Teacher. Mrs. Olinger was recently recognized as the Lawson VFW (Post 6278) Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Olinger has also been named the VFW District 1 Teacher of The Year. The Board also had the opportunity to recognize Mrs. Lisa Glenn / HS Business Teacher & Head Girls Basketball Coach. Mrs. Glenn organized a Hoops for Hope basketball event. This event included five basketball games, all coached by women and officiated by women. The day was also full of fundraising efforts for breast cancer research. Coach Lisa Glenn created the event to raise awareness and advocate for breast cancer. The event raised $3,054.47, all donated to the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation. #WeAreLawson

Voting for the 2024 Lawson R-XIV School District bond election is on Tuesday, April 2nd. If you would like to learn more about the proposed projects, please visit: https://www.lawsoncardinals.org/page/april-2-2024-bond-issue

March is School Board Recognition Month! This month, we are spotlighting each of our #WeAreLawson School Board members, who dedicate their time, passion, and expertise to shaping the future of our schools. Let's get to know our School Board Member, Ashley Sullard, and express our gratitude for his positive impact on the Lawson R-XIV School District. School Board member Ashley Sullard. Why do you appreciate Lawson R-XIV? Lawson has a long-standing reputation for great teachers, administrators, students, and community support! I am proud to raise my children in the same school district where my husband and I graduated. How long have you served on the Lawson R-XIV Board? Since April 2023 Where are you from originally? I lived in Excelsior Springs for 14 years and have lived in Lawson for the last 24 years. What is your favorite professional sports team? Kansas City Chiefs What is a fun personal fact about yourself? I married my high school sweetheart! I also played on Lawson's High School's first-ever State Championship Team (Softball 2003). Thank you, Ashley! We appreciate all you do! _____________________________

Lawson R-XIV School District No Tax Increase Bond Issue April 2, 2024 Supporting Our Students. Maintaining Our Schools. Click the link to learn more: https://www.lawsoncardinals.org/page/april-2-2024-bond-issue

It's always a great day to be a Cardinal... but it's better WHEN YOU'RE HERE!!! Current 2024-2025 Openings: *HS ELA Click the link to learn more and to apply. https://www.lawsoncardinals.org/page/employment-page

Community Informational Meeting Tuesday, March 26th at 6:30 pm Lawson Middle School Commons Please join us to learn about the upcoming April 2, 2024 No Tax Rate Increase Bond issue.

March is School Board Recognition Month! This month, we are spotlighting each of our #WeAreLawson School Board members, who dedicate their time, passion, and expertise to shaping the future of our schools. Let's get to know our School Board Member, Taylor Akey, and express our gratitude for his positive impact on the Lawson R-XIV School District. School Board member Taylor Akey. Why do you appreciate Lawson R-XIV? I appreciate Lawson for its dedicated and committed teachers and our long-standing traditions. Once a Cardinal, always a Cardinal. How long have you served on the Lawson R-XIV Board? Since April 2023 Where are you from originally? I have lived in Lawson my entire life. What is your favorite professional sports team? Kansas City Chiefs What is a fun personal fact about yourself? I was cast in multiple plays throughout high school. Thank you, Taylor! We appreciate all you do!

Community Informational Meeting Tuesday, March 26th at 6:30 pm Lawson Middle School Commons Please join us to learn about the upcoming April 2, 2024 No Tax Rate increase bond issue. We’ll discuss the process by which our plan was made and answer questions related to the plan and proposed projects. We hope to see you there!