School Board Candidate Filing Info.
Any person wishing to file for the Lawson R-XIV School District Board of Education may do so in the Lawson School District's Administrative Office, 307 W. Moss, Lawson, MO 64062. Filing will be held Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, through Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025.
Click the link for complete details. https://www.lawsoncardinals.org/page/board-candidate-filling
Due to inclement weather and hazardous travel conditions, Lawson R-XIV will be closed on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, the Lawson R-XIV School District will be closed beginning at 3 p.m. today, November 25, and will remain closed through Monday, December 1. Students and staff will return to school on Tuesday, December 2.
We wish you all a safe and joyous holiday break.
#WeAreLawson
We wish you all a safe and joyous holiday break.
#WeAreLawson
2026-2027 High School Counselor - Opening
Lawson School District is seeking a dedicated, student-centered High School Counselor for the 2026–2027 school year. This vacancy is the result of an upcoming retirement. The ideal candidate will be passionate about supporting students’ academic growth, social–emotional development, and post-secondary planning. This position plays a vital role in fostering a positive school climate, collaborating with staff and families, and ensuring every student has the support they need to succeed.
Click the link to learn more: https://www.lawsoncardinals.org/page/employment-page
Lawson School District is seeking a dedicated, student-centered High School Counselor for the 2026–2027 school year. This vacancy is the result of an upcoming retirement. The ideal candidate will be passionate about supporting students’ academic growth, social–emotional development, and post-secondary planning. This position plays a vital role in fostering a positive school climate, collaborating with staff and families, and ensuring every student has the support they need to succeed.
Click the link to learn more: https://www.lawsoncardinals.org/page/employment-page
Student Attendance – Year-over-Year Improvement (K–12)
Student attendance continues to show positive growth across all three district buildings, reflecting ongoing engagement and commitment to learning.
2025–2026 Attendance Data (August 19 – November 22):
Lawson High School (LHS): 95.4% ▲ +1.9%
Lawson Middle School (LMS): 95.7% ▲ +1.2%
Southwest Elementary (SW): 96.3% ▲ +1.7%
District K–12 Average: 95.8% ▲ +1.6%
Why Attendance Matters:
Student attendance is directly linked to academic success, social development, and the development of lifelong habits such as responsibility and time management. Consistent attendance ensures students receive crucial instruction, build strong connections with peers, and are more likely to graduate and succeed in their future careers.
We sincerely thank our families for their dedication to ensuring students are present and ready for learning each day. Your support is essential to our students’ growth, achievement, and success. #WeAreLawson
Student attendance continues to show positive growth across all three district buildings, reflecting ongoing engagement and commitment to learning.
2025–2026 Attendance Data (August 19 – November 22):
Lawson High School (LHS): 95.4% ▲ +1.9%
Lawson Middle School (LMS): 95.7% ▲ +1.2%
Southwest Elementary (SW): 96.3% ▲ +1.7%
District K–12 Average: 95.8% ▲ +1.6%
Why Attendance Matters:
Student attendance is directly linked to academic success, social development, and the development of lifelong habits such as responsibility and time management. Consistent attendance ensures students receive crucial instruction, build strong connections with peers, and are more likely to graduate and succeed in their future careers.
We sincerely thank our families for their dedication to ensuring students are present and ready for learning each day. Your support is essential to our students’ growth, achievement, and success. #WeAreLawson
This afternoon marked our 34th Annual Senior Citizens Thanksgiving Giving Lunch. We are always grateful for the opportunity to spend time with such a fantastic group of individuals, celebrate the great things happening in our schools, and share our gratitude during this season of Thanksgiving. #WeAreLawson
The Lawson Cardinal Theatre Presents
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Join us as our talented Lawson High School performers bring this timeless classic to life on stage.
Show Dates & Times:
Thursday, November 20
Doors open at 6:30 PM | Show at 7:00 PM
Friday, November 21 – Special Dinner Theater Event
Dinner at 6:00 PM | Doors open at 6:30 PM | Show at 7:15 PM
Adults $20
Students $15
Preschoolers: Free
Saturday, November 22
Doors open at 6:30 PM | Show at 7:00 PM
Location: Lawson High School - Sellers Performing Arts Center
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Join us as our talented Lawson High School performers bring this timeless classic to life on stage.
Show Dates & Times:
Thursday, November 20
Doors open at 6:30 PM | Show at 7:00 PM
Friday, November 21 – Special Dinner Theater Event
Dinner at 6:00 PM | Doors open at 6:30 PM | Show at 7:15 PM
Adults $20
Students $15
Preschoolers: Free
Saturday, November 22
Doors open at 6:30 PM | Show at 7:00 PM
Location: Lawson High School - Sellers Performing Arts Center
We’re Hiring! Join the Lawson R-XIV School District Team!
The Lawson R-XIV School District is currently seeking dedicated individuals to join our team in the following positions:
• Substitute Teachers
• Evening Custodian
If you’re passionate about education, student success, and contributing to a positive school environment, we’d love to hear from you!
Apply online: https://www.lawsoncardinals.org/page/employment-page
Questions? Contact the District Office at 816-580-7277.
Join us in continuing the tradition of excellence at Lawson R-XIV!
The Lawson R-XIV School District is currently seeking dedicated individuals to join our team in the following positions:
• Substitute Teachers
• Evening Custodian
If you’re passionate about education, student success, and contributing to a positive school environment, we’d love to hear from you!
Apply online: https://www.lawsoncardinals.org/page/employment-page
Questions? Contact the District Office at 816-580-7277.
Join us in continuing the tradition of excellence at Lawson R-XIV!
34th Annual Senior Citizens Lunch – November 20
Lawson School District warmly invites all senior citizens in our community to join us for a complimentary lunch on Thursday, November 20, at 12:30 PM at Lawson High School.
We are grateful for everything you have contributed to our community throughout the years. This lunch is a small way for us to show our appreciation and to celebrate the wisdom, kindness, and legacy you continue to share with us.
We look forward to welcoming you and enjoying a wonderful afternoon together!
#WeAreLawson
Lawson School District warmly invites all senior citizens in our community to join us for a complimentary lunch on Thursday, November 20, at 12:30 PM at Lawson High School.
We are grateful for everything you have contributed to our community throughout the years. This lunch is a small way for us to show our appreciation and to celebrate the wisdom, kindness, and legacy you continue to share with us.
We look forward to welcoming you and enjoying a wonderful afternoon together!
#WeAreLawson
We’re Hiring! Join the Lawson R-XIV School District Team!
The Lawson R-XIV School District is currently seeking dedicated individuals to join our team in the following positions:
• Substitute Teachers
• Evening Custodian
• Assistant High School Wrestling Coach
If you’re passionate about education, student success, and contributing to a positive school environment, we’d love to hear from you!
Apply online: Lawson - Employment
Questions? Contact the District Office at 816-580-7277.
Join us in continuing the tradition of excellence at Lawson R-XIV!
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.
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.
The Lawson Cardinal Football team is proud to honor Mrs. Amber Jackson as their Week 9 Teacher Recognition recipient. Mrs. Jackson dedicates countless hours to her math students. She works with all students to help them find success in a complex subject. She builds a welcoming, supportive classroom where everyone feels loved and supported.
Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Amber Jackson on this well-deserved recognition.
#WeAreLawson
Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Amber Jackson on this well-deserved recognition.
#WeAreLawson
Lawson Middle School Robotics Team hosts numerous schools this morning at LHS.
Morning Matches are from 10am to Noon. Afternoon Matches are 12:30 to 2:30pm. Come out and support your Cardinals!
4th Annual Lawson Veterans Day Breakfast & Celebration
We are just one week away from our 4th Annual Lawson Grades 5–12 Veterans Day Breakfast and Celebration!
Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
Breakfast: 8:30 a.m.
Honor Assembly: Immediately following breakfast in the high school gymnasium
We are honored to welcome our veterans, active-duty military, and their special guests to this meaningful event. Students and staff have been preparing heartfelt tributes to recognize the service and sacrifices of those who have served our country.
Please help us spread the word and encourage any local veterans to join us for this special morning. We look forward to seeing everyone as we come together to honor and celebrate our heroes.
We are just one week away from our 4th Annual Lawson Grades 5–12 Veterans Day Breakfast and Celebration!
Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
Breakfast: 8:30 a.m.
Honor Assembly: Immediately following breakfast in the high school gymnasium
We are honored to welcome our veterans, active-duty military, and their special guests to this meaningful event. Students and staff have been preparing heartfelt tributes to recognize the service and sacrifices of those who have served our country.
Please help us spread the word and encourage any local veterans to join us for this special morning. We look forward to seeing everyone as we come together to honor and celebrate our heroes.
4th Annual Lawson Veterans Day Breakfast & Celebration
Friday, November 7, 2025 | Grades 5–12
Lawson Middle and High School is excited to welcome veterans, active-duty military, and their guests to our annual Veterans Day Breakfast and Celebration.
Schedule:
Breakfast: 8:30 a.m.
Honor Assembly/Ceremony: Following breakfast in the high school gymnasium
Join us as we honor and thank those who have served our country. More details will be shared as the date approaches — mark your calendars and help us celebrate!
Friday, November 7, 2025 | Grades 5–12
Lawson Middle and High School is excited to welcome veterans, active-duty military, and their guests to our annual Veterans Day Breakfast and Celebration.
Schedule:
Breakfast: 8:30 a.m.
Honor Assembly/Ceremony: Following breakfast in the high school gymnasium
Join us as we honor and thank those who have served our country. More details will be shared as the date approaches — mark your calendars and help us celebrate!
A full day of learning in Lawson! ❤️💛
Teachers engaged in professional development focused on student success—covering engagement, ACT prep, AI tools, trauma support, writing alignment & more. Preparing students for Real World Learning!
#WeAreLawson
Reminder that Monday school will NOT be in session for our scheduled Staff Development Day. We will see our Cardinals back in class on Tuesday, October 21st!
