11/7/2025
Lawson R-XIV Achieves Record-High APR with Continued Student Growth
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has released the latest Annual Performance Report (APR) scores for school districts across the state. The APR evaluates districts based on both overall performance and year-over-year improvement in alignment with the state’s accountability framework, the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP).
The Lawson R-XIV School District earned an (APR) score of 88.5% for 2025, marking the highest score the district has received since Missouri adopted MSIP 6 standards in the 2021–22 school year. This score also represents a 5.1% increase from 2024, demonstrating consistent progress each year.
The district’s student academic data also shows a 7.8% growth over 2024, indicating significant gains across grade levels and subjects.
“Achieving our highest APR score and seeing continued student growth highlights the dedication of our teachers, staff, students, and families,” said Rob Kellam, President of the Lawson R-XIV Board of Education. “These results reflect the success of our collaborative approach and focus on student achievement.”
Superintendent Dr. Michael Stephenson added, “This record APR demonstrates what’s possible when a community comes together around a shared vision of excellence for every child.”
Dr. Stephenson will present the Board of Education with a detailed overview of the district’s 2025 APR data during the November board meeting.
For more information about Missouri’s APR system, visit https://dese.mo.gov.