August 2026 BOE Meeting
The Board of Education held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. Below is a summary of key business items, updates, and discussions. The complete agenda and supporting documents are available through the Paperless Board Meeting portal.
Key Business Items
Consent Agenda: The Board approved the 2026–2027 Student Incentive Programs for each school and the Parents as Teachers annual program evaluation.
Tax Rate Hearing: The Board scheduled the district’s annual FY27 Tax Rate Hearing for Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. The district will provide public notice of the proposed tax rate after it receives final assessed valuation figures from Ray, Clinton, and Clay counties.
Key Updates
Back-to-School Updates: Building principals shared updates on the start of the 2026–2027 school year, reporting positive energy and excitement among students and staff. Overall student enrollment remains steady compared with the previous year, supporting consistent planning for courses, programs, and staffing.
Annual Review of Building Goals and Priorities: Building principals shared their goals and priorities for the 2026–2027 school year. While each building’s goals reflect the needs of its students, several common areas of focus are evident across the district:
Increasing academic achievement through strong instruction, aligned curriculum, and targeted support
Improving student attendance and reducing chronic absenteeism
Strengthening student engagement, positive behavior, and recognition
Using assessment data to identify needs and provide timely interventions
Preparing students for success beyond graduation
Together, these goals reflect the district’s commitment to academic excellence, student engagement, strong attendance, and postsecondary success.
Special Education and Student Services Update: Student Services Director Mr. Tyson Miller updated the Board on continued efforts to improve special education processes and procedures. He highlighted collaboration with classroom teachers and building leaders to strengthen Tier 2 interventions within the district’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).
Mr. Miller reported continued growth in the number of students requiring specialized services. He also noted an increased emphasis on helping staff identify concerns early and collaboratively address student needs while supporting the growing demands placed on classroom teachers. The district continues to develop plans to provide necessary services while responsibly utilizing available staff and resources.
Additionally, Mr. Miller briefed the Board on the district’s recent DESE special education compliance review, which confirmed that the district continues to meet state and federal requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Spring 2026 Bond Update: Dr. Stephenson reported that the district hosted a pre-bid meeting on August 19, with several interested general contractors in attendance. The project remains on schedule, with the bid opening moved to September 9.
The necessary utility relocations have also been completed to make way for the new building. Construction is anticipated to begin in October.
Ride to Campus - Walk on Campus Procedure: As part of the district’s continued commitment to student safety, the Board reviewed a new procedure governing bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, and similar devices.
Students may use these devices to travel to and from school. Once they reach district property, however, they must dismount and walk their devices through sidewalks, crosswalks, parking lots, driveways, playgrounds, athletic areas, and other pedestrian spaces. Devices must be parked and secured in designated areas and may not be brought into or charged inside district buildings without administrative approval.
The procedure applies throughout the school day and during practices, athletic contests, performances, community events, weekends, and other activities held on district property. Riding on school grounds is prohibited unless district personnel specifically authorize and supervise it.
Families are responsible for ensuring students follow applicable traffic laws, use appropriate safety equipment, and can safely operate their devices while traveling to and from school. Students who operate a device unsafely or fail to follow the procedure may lose the privilege of bringing it onto district property.
The procedure is intended to reduce potential conflicts among riders, vehicles, and pedestrians while maintaining safe and welcoming campuses for students, staff, families, and community members.
Superintendent Updates:
· Youth Sports Facility Use: With the Athletic Booster Club dissolving, the district will assume responsibility for operating concessions at middle school and high school athletic events. Youth sports organizations will provide their own concession supplies and operate from separate sales locations to maintain clear financial accountability.
Beginning in fall 2027, Youth Football practices will return to the district-owned grass area north of the stadiums. This change will help the district maintain a safe, high-quality practice surface for its middle school and high school student-athletes while continuing to provide youth athletes with an appropriate practice space.
The district remains committed to supporting strong youth programs and recognizes their important role in the future success of Lawson athletics.
· 4-Year-Old Preschool Transportation: The district has expanded transportation opportunities by allowing eligible 4-year-old preschool students to ride regular-route buses.
To support student safety and consistent operations, students must:
· Weigh at least 40 pounds
· Have an adult present when loading and unloading
· Use a consistent pickup and drop-off location
The school nurse will verify and document each student’s eligibility before transportation begins.
Families interested in this service should contact the Southwest Elementary Office. The district will work promptly to accommodate requests, although route and stop adjustments may require additional time.
Announcements:
· Tax Rate Hearing - Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 6pm
Next Regular BOE Meeting - Wednesday, September 16