Board Approves Ballot Language To Construct Agricultural Learning Lab
April 2026 No Tax Rate Increase Bond Issue
Click Link To Access - Detailed Ag Learning Lab Information
The Lawson Board of Education has prioritized expanding career exploration opportunities for students, including woodworking, agricultural education, and the creation of a Lawson FFA Chapter—programs that have attracted strong student interest and seen significant growth. To support this vision, the Board approved placing a No Tax Rate Increase Bond question on the April 7, 2026, ballot.
If approved, the bond would generate $3,000,000 to:
Construct a 4,000 sq. ft. Agricultural Learning Lab with dedicated shop space for agricultural construction, carpentry, woodworking, and metalworking.
Renovate existing classrooms to provide additional lab and classroom space.
Complete paving of the home football and student parking lots to improve safety and accessibility.
This bond would allow the District to expand hands-on, career-focused learning opportunities for students enrolled in agricultural education and related career and technical education pathways. The project is designed to enhance experiential learning and workforce preparation, without increasing the current tax rate.
Additional election-related information, including detailed project plans and timelines, will be provided to the community before the vote.
Background and Strategic Focus
The Board of Education identified updating curriculum offerings to engage students in career exploration as a priority goal when adopting the District's strategic plan in 2023. This focus was reinforced when the Board designated it as a priority for the 2023–2024 school year. Since then, the District has significantly expanded students' career exploration opportunities, including:
Adding introductory woodworking courses, which have reached maximum enrollment.
Developing an agricultural education program and FFA chapter, after gathering input from students, parents, and community members. Feedback was overwhelmingly supportive.
Following careful consideration, the Board approved the agricultural education program and FFA chapter in spring 2024, with implementation, official state recognition, and FFA chartering occurring in fall 2024. Now in its second full year, the agricultural education program and FFA chapter continue to grow, providing meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for students and preparing them for future career opportunities.