October BOE Meeting
The Board of Education held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Below is a summary of key business items, updates, and discussions. For the complete agenda and supporting documents, visit the Paperless Board Meeting link.
October Board Spotlights
Items For Action:
2026-2027 Bus Routes: The Board approved bus routes for the 2026–2027 school year, completing the annual October approval requirement. Routes are developed with student safety, efficiency, transportation costs, and state transportation regulations in mind.
Melissa Kisner, Durham Transportation Bus Manager, reported that regular routes and activity trips are running well. The district’s purchase of two fleet vehicles over the past three-plus years continues to provide value by expanding transportation options for student activities and staff professional development, improving scheduling flexibility, and reducing transportation costs.
2026-2027 Board Manual: The Board approved the 2026–2027 Board Manual as presented. The manual establishes a shared framework for effective governance, clear responsibilities, and consistent decision-making while keeping the Board’s work focused on students, schools, and district goals.
Annual review and approval support accountability, transparency, and a common understanding of how the Board conducts its work and serves the community. The manual also serves as a reference for current and new Board members and supports compliance with applicable requirements.
November BOE Meeting Time Change: The Board approved moving the start time of its November 18, 2026, business meeting to 20 minutes after the conclusion of the 2026 MAP & EOC Top-10 Academic Achievement Celebration. The celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. that evening and will honor the top 10 students in each applicable grade level and content area based on their 2026 assessment results.
The adjustment allows Board members to celebrate students’ academic accomplishments and travel to Southwest Elementary before the business meeting begins.
Items for Information
Upcoming Screenagers Family Event: The Board received an update on the district’s upcoming Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age event, hosted in partnership with the Ray County Coalition. This free event will help families explore social media, gaming, screen time, and ways to support a healthy digital balance.
The event will take place Monday, November 9, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. in the Lawson High School Commons and is open to district caregivers and students ages 13 and older. The evening includes a meal, film screening, and discussion with Q&A. Limited childcare for children ages 0–12 is available by registration.
Families are encouraged to RSVP at TinyURL.com/LawsonScreenagers. Questions may be directed to building counselors.
Spring 2026 Bond Update: Ag Learning Lab. We have broken ground on the project. With the extended weather outlook, we hope to make good progress over the next two to three weeks and get ahead of the timeline, bringing the groundwork near completion as we head into fall and cooler temperatures.
Financial Outlook Update: Dr. Stephenson provided the Board with an overview of the district’s recently completed six-part Financial Outlook series. The series explained school funding, local taxes, debt service, and the financial considerations shaping Lawson R-XIV’s planning. He emphasized the district’s ongoing commitment to transparency, responsible stewardship, and community feedback.
Superintendent Update: Dr. Stephenson updated the Board on several district initiatives, priorities, and other matters relevant to the continued success of the Lawson R-XIV School District. Additional information is available through the district’s paperless Board meeting materials.
Announcements:
Grades 5-12 Veterans Day Activities Friday, November 6, 2026
Veterans / Special Guest Breakfast – 8:30am-9:30am (Barker Center)
Grades 5-12 Assembly 9:30am (HS Gymnasium)
Next Regular BOE Meeting - Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Senior Citizens Thanksgiving Dinner 11/19/22 @12:30 in HS Commons