May 2026 BOE Meeting
The Board of Education held its monthly meeting on Monday, May 18, 2026. Below is a summary of key business items, updates, and discussions. For the complete agenda and supporting documents, please visit the Paperless Board Meeting link.
Ms. Riley – Special Olympics - Board Spotlight
Agriculture Education / FFA – Board Spotlight
MS/HS Robotics – Board Spotlight
Key Action Items
Staff Leaves Policy and Procedure
The Board approved proposed changes to the district’s Paid Leave Accrual, Use, and Buyback Policy for the 2026-2027 school year. Major updates include implementing an annual buyback option for unused leave days and reducing the annual allotment from 11 days to 10 days. These changes are designed to create a balanced and sustainable leave system that provides earlier value to employees while ensuring greater financial predictability and operational stability for the district.
Breakfast and Lunch Prices 2026-2027
The Board approved meal price adjustments for the 2026-2027 school year to maintain compliance with federal USDA requirements. Approved increases include:
Lunch: increase of $0.30
Breakfast: increase of $0.20
Extra milk: increase of $0.05
Preschool/Kindergarten full-year snack price: increase of $9.00
Key Updates & Information
Summer School 2026: Summer school staffing has been finalized, and student placements are currently being completed for the upcoming session running May 27 through June 24. All K-5 summer school programming will be held at Southwest Elementary School.
Spring 2026 Bond Update: The district continues working through the building design process and addressing issues related to relocating an electrical transformer to meet utility requirements regarding proximity to the building and accessibility for future maintenance or repairs.
Final requirements for the transformer relocation are expected in June, allowing utility relocation work to begin prior to the start of school in August. At this time, the project remains on schedule to be released for bid in late August.
Long-Range Financial Planning Update: The district continues developing preliminary budget projections for Fiscal Year 2027. Current state funding estimates indicate reductions in several key funding areas, including:
State Formula Funding: decrease of approximately 3.2% ($150,000)
Classroom Trust Funding: decrease of approximately 4.8% ($25,000)
Transportation Funding: decrease of approximately 5% ($25,000)
Combined, the district is forecasting an overall reduction in state funding of approximately $200,000 for FY27.
The district anticipates increases in reimbursement-based funding areas, including Early Childhood Special Education and High Needs reimbursements, tied to expenditures incurred during FY26. These funds are separate from State Foundation Formula funding.
District administration continues working to maintain flat or reduced spending within supplies and purchased services budgets, though inflationary pressures continue to create challenges across operational costs.
Current projections show the district operating with an estimated deficit spend of approximately ($197,344) for FY27, with reserve balances projected to decrease from the current 53.7% reserve level to approximately 50.4% by the end of FY27.
Additional budget clarity and updated projections are expected in June as the district continues monitoring the spring legislative session and state education funding decisions.
Superintendent Update:
School Community Input Meeting: The district will host a Community Input Meeting at 6:30 p.m. on June 4, 2026, in the Southwest Commons to gather community feedback and perceptions regarding the school district.
This annual event provides an opportunity to connect with community members and ensure the district continues meeting the needs and expectations of the Lawson school community while providing the high-quality education the community expects.
Summer Projects: The district has four major summer projects planned:
Bathroom remodel at LMS/LHS (across from the current agriculture classroom)
Window repairs and tinting in the 7th/8th grade hallway, including seal repairs, tint installation to match the library, and new blinds
Roof overlay at Southwest Elementary
(Preschool, 3rd Grade, District Office, Kitchen, and Title Reading Rooms)Complete refinishing of the middle school gym floor
Before and After-School Care
Beginning in August 2026, the district will provide bus transportation to and from Learning Lighthouse Child Care Center. Learning Lighthouse has announced plans to begin offering before- and after-school care services beginning in August 2026.
Transportation will be provided through regular district bus routes for children ages 4 and older. The district is pleased to offer this additional option to assist families needing before- and after-school childcare services.
Announcements:
• June BOE Meeting: Wednesday, June 17, at 6pm in the Southwest Commons.