The following information is provided by Lawson R-XIV School District as a service to its patrons. If you have any questions or need additional information, please call Dr. Michael Stephenson, Superintendent at (816) 580-7277 or email stephensonm@lawsoncardinals.org

Supporting Our Students. Maintaining Our Schools.

PASSED

April 2, 2024 - NO TAX RATE INCREASE BOND ISSUE

Maintaining Existing Facilities

Enhancing Safety Measures

Modernizing Classroom Tech and Equipment

Improving Accessibility for those with Disabilities.

Spring 2024 Bond - Projects Timeline

Why do we need improvements at Lawson R-XIV School District?

The Lawson Board of Education set “Preparing for the long-range facility needs of the District” as a priority goal for the 2023-2024 school year. Over the past 12+ months, we have worked on a plan to meet the district's deferred maintenance, safety, and long-range facility needs. We have used the expertise of Incite Design Studio to evaluate current facilities and determine needed maintenance projects. Incite Design Studio also assisted the district with collecting data on areas of concern from staff members, administrators, and the board. The District has hosted public meetings to gain input from the community regarding needs and goals. The district also utilized a facilities improvement survey with all stakeholders to achieve greater focus on what is needed and wanted in our school district both today and in the future.  The proposed ballot language fulfills the needs of the projects determined as a priority through the use of all the above-listed approaches. The priority areas are: Maintaining Existing Facilities, Enhancing Safety Measures, Modernizing Classroom Tech and Equipment, and Improving Accessibility for those with Disabilities.

What will it cost?

Approval of the $6 million April 6 bond issue WILL NOT REQUIRE AN INCREASE in the District’s current debt service levy.  The District has invested significant time and effort in identifying its highest priorities while working within the limits of the current debt service.

Frequently Asked Questions - Related To The April 2024 Bond

Ballot Language:

Shall Lawson Reorganized School District No. R-XIV of Ray County, Missouri, issue its general obligation bonds in the amount of $6,000,000 for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, repairing, improving, extending, remodeling, renovating, furnishing and equipping new and existing school facilities, including but not limited to the following:  

  • Roofing replacements, bathroom renovations and plumbing upgrades at various District facilities

  • Constructing a new main entrance and office suite at the Elementary School 

  • Secure entrance improvements at the Middle School

  • ADA improvements at the High School gymnasium and Performing Arts Center

  • Parking lot pavement and overlay 

  • Upgrading the Performing Arts Center lighting and sound systems.

  • Upgrading furniture and technology at various District facilities 

If this proposition is approved, the District’s debt service tax levy is estimated to remain unchanged at the current debt service tax levy of $0.95 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation of real and personal property.

____ Yes

____ No

Projects included in the April 2, 2024 Bond:

Southwest Elementary 

  • Roof Replacement - Entire Building 

  • Secure Office/Entry Addition

  • Interior Door Lock - Upgrades

  • Music Room/Library - Updates

  • PK-4 Furniture - Updates

  • Classroom Technology - Upgrades

  • Preschool Classrooms - Updates

  • Title Reading Classrooms - Upgrades

Lawson Middle School 

  • Visitor Secure Entry/Office - Renovation 

  • Interior Door Lock - Upgrades

  • Commons Restroom - Renovation

  • Hallway Restroom - Update

  • Classroom Technology - Upgrades

  • Classroom Electrical - Upgrades

Lawson High School 

  • Roof Replacement

    • Bandroom

    • Commons

    • Main Gymnasium 

    • Robotics Shop/ Classroom 

    • Kitchen/Cafeteria

  • Interior Door Lock - Upgrades 

  • Commons Bathrooms - Renovation 

  • Commons/Gymnasium - Updates

  • H-Hall Restroom - Renovation 

  • Classroom Technology - Upgrades

Activities/Athletics

  • Sellers Performing Arts Center (SPAC) -

    • Lighting Upgrades

    • Sound System Upgrades

    • ADA Seating Upgrades

  • HS Gymnasium -

    • ADA Bleacher Upgrades

    • Floor Repair & Refinish

  • District Track -

    • ReCoat and Remark

Districtwide Projects

  • Central Office - Relocate to Southwest Elementary

  • Plumbing/Sewer Repairs/Upgrades - Various Locations

  • Construct Maintenance/Athletics Storage Building - MS/HS Campus

  • Parking Lot Improvements 

    • Softball Parking Lot - Asphalt 

    • Baseball Field Parking Lot - Asphalt 

    • HS Entry/Exit Lanes - Repair and Seal 

    • HS South/Southeast Parking Lots - Repair and Seal

    • MS East Parking Lot - Seal

Facility Reports / Surveys / Other Information